Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine what impact, if any, the implementation of a mandatory uniform dress policy has had on improving student behavior among ninth-grade students in three California high schools who have worn uniforms for at least one semester, as perceived by students, teachers, counselors, and administrators, and as measured by archival data. Methodology. The research was descriptive. Three California high schools were included in this exploratory study. A thirty-five-item survey was developed to assess the perceptions of 74 staff and 233 students about learning environment, student discipline, student participation, and academic performance. Survey data were analyzed using the means, standard deviations, and range and reported in percentages. Archival data were analyzed using a test of differences (t-scores). Findings. (1) Students, teachers, and counselors expected students to earn better grades; (2) there was a statistically significant (.05) drop in suspensions at all three schools; (3) conflicts among students declined; (4) students felt they were more likely to be judged by teachers on what they know rather than on what they wear; (5) students felt that uniforms provided a common identity for all students; (6) students felt that there were fewer distractions in the classroom related to clothing; (7) there was a statistically significant (.05) improvement in attendance at two of the three schools; and (8) students felt they could still express their individuality in ways other than dress. Conclusions. Uniforms: (1) send a message to staff and students that students will be held to higher performance standards; (2) create a more positive campus by reducing conflicts on the school grounds and learning environment in the classrooms; (3) eliminate a source of adult bias against students engendered by clothing; (4) serve as a common badge of affiliation which identifies students as members of the same learning community. Recommendations. That the results of this study be presented at professional conferences and published in professional journals to assist high school administrators and school boards in determining the implications of a mandatory uniform policy at the high school level.