Get Schooled

By Jeff

November 21, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

On the one hand, I have to side with the teachers, as I have been there from both a male teenage student and a young, single male teacher. ‘Uniform Dress’ codes remove quite a bit of the distractions. (Of course, from a young, single male teacher’s perspective, so does keeping your classroom the temperature of a walk in freezer.)

On the other, libertarian hand, I must side with freedom and accepting of personal responsibility for your actions.

After much internal debate, the libertarian in me wins out and I side with opposing this measure. (Though the Libertarian in me also points out that the whole issue is moot, as government should not be in the education business to begin with.)

By Ernest

November 21, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

To borrow a phrase from the recent political campaign, if you put lipstick on a pig, you will still have a pig. Uniforms by themselves will not improve improve schools but the hope is that it will encourage a ‘value’ system with respect to dress and education that some in the community feel is not consistent throughout. Hopefully Clayton will get the results they are looking for from this.

On a side note, I understand the school system where former DeKalb super Dr. Johnny Brown went to implemented a ‘uniform’ code this past year. In that case, he waited until 2 years into his time there to do so, rather that when he was hired. This gave him time to build a mandate before implementing. He thought he had a mandate for that in DeKalb when he was hired but those that initially requested it did not step up and support him when he got ‘pushback’ from the community.

On a personal note, I’ve had a few ‘challenges’ with one of my middle schoolers. As a result, he is wearing a uniform every day and has to ‘earn’ the right to wear regular clothes. Surprisingly, he likes it because it makes it easy to get dressed in the morning, khaki pants and white collared shirt. He’ll probably stick with this for the remainder of the school year.

By gee

November 21, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

step in the right direction. These kids are learning nothing they dress like hooligans and look like them too. School uniforms is a way of teaching you how to dress the right way for the right purpose.when they get to college they can dress however they like. At least they will know what is right for the occasion. BLACK PEOPLE TIME TO WAKE UP I am black so don’t let me hear this is a racist comment.

By gee

November 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

step in the right direction. These kids are learning nothing they dress like hooligans and look like them too. School uniforms is a way of teaching you how to dress the right way for the right purpose.when they get to college they can dress however they like. At least they will know what is right for the occasion. BLACK PEOPLE TIME TO WAKE UP I am black so don’t let me hear this is a racist comment.

By Pandora

November 21, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

I’m happy that they are making them wear uniform. I don’t see a problem with it. School is for learning - you know - receiving an education!!! It’s NOT for being ‘show boats’. It’s strictly for learning. If everyone is dressed exactly the same then maybe the state of Georgia will not be battling so hard to get to the top…not remaining in the bottom 5 states.

By Meme

November 21, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Having taught in schools with a uniform dress code and schools without; I must tell you that I like the dress code. The behavior of the students is much, much better.

By bernard weston

November 21, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Uniforms will stop some incidents from happening. Yet, are our schools in the business of “stopping incidents” or are they held to educate the minds of our leaders of tomorrow? The improvement the uniform policy will bring will be so small that we stand to get side tracked from our real mission by matter.

By Mrs. Warren

November 21, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

If you are going to have “uniforms” then have uniforms, like private schools do, with everyone wearing the exact same thing purchased from the same place. Not this half-@$$ stuff. How about punishing kids who misbehave too?

By AndyW

November 21, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Certainly Clayton’s problems run much deeper than a simple dress code can cure, but it is a step in the right direction. I would think teachers would like having a pretty strict dress code. If everything is spelled out, it’s simple to tell who is out of ‘uniform’ and takes judgment calls (is that skirt too short, etc…) out of play.

My HS was dress shirt / tie / slacks / dress shoes / belt / socks. The real rebels tried to get away with no belts.

By Jennifer

November 21, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Right now, schools focus too much attention on dress code and cell phone violations. They need to just get on with the education of students.

If there is a uniform program and it eliminates all the stupid referrals for things, great. If there is a dress code, then it should be followed, but if there are excessive referrals, the smart principal will tell the admins to get over it and only address the serious infractions.

Trust me, the referrals cause the loss in educational time, not the dress code. So my advice, just get with a plan, monitor the referrals to make sure they are not excessive and be done with it.

And get back to the job of creating a love of learning in kids.

By cb

November 21, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

What the kids are wearing to school, isn’t the problem. The problem is when will the school board get there act together and get there accredition back. They need to worry about the things that real matter.

By V for Vendetta

November 21, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

I’m glad this was brought up today; it’s something I have been trying to get my school to do for the past three years. I firmly believe that uniforms can solve SOME of the problems we encounter during the school day. I’m not at all convinced that there is a direct link between uniforms and test scores, but I am positive that there is a direct link between uniforms and behavior. Anyone who has ever been inside a modern metro Atlanta high school can tell you that much.

As some have mentioned, this idea has zero chance of success unless it has some teeth. The uniforms must be enforced, and strictly, or else the entire plan is for naught. It astounds me the type of crap that teachers turn a blind eye to here at my school. We allow the thugs to dress and act like thugs. Perhaps requiring a uniform won’t solve ALL of their behavior issues, but it will solve some—if not remind them of who has the power and who doesn’t. I think teachers get the short end of the stick a lot of times, but there’s a point when we need to stop acting like victims and grow a pair. When it comes to discipline and uniforms, I think that’s a good stand to make.

I’m on board, and so are a lot of other teachers I know. But the biggest obstacle we have standing in our way isn’t the kids or the parents, it’s the administration. They don’t want to deal with parent phone calls and complaints.

By Rico

November 21, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

First of all….let me be the first to say that this whole uniform issue is another example of why Clayton County lost its accreditation. I’m a black male, 21 years of age, and I graduated from Riverdale High School in 2006. Clothing did not play a major part, as some people would like to throw the blame, on students not succeeding in school.

This topic just proves to me how dumbfounded this school board is and how Clayton County will never get its accreditation back because these so called “ADULTS” are just as clueless as the students.

What really needs to happen in Clayton County starts with more qualified teachers and stricter grading policies. Grant it I am a very intellectual individual. Not as book smart as I would like but I do obtain enough common sense to get me through in this life. There were policies implemented in Clayton County schools such as “make-up day”. This was a day in which no matter how many assignments you didn’t turn in, how many tests you failed, you were able to make up as much work as needed to bring your grade back up as high as it could go. Thus, knowing this as a student, what’s the point of going to class, paying attention, and trying to learn, when the majority of your grade is based upon homework/classwork, and knowing that you have on centralized day to get all of your work in.

Because of these policies and standards students who half-way cared about school walked right through high school without even trying. Like uniforms, if more rules were implemented for students to be held accountable for their actions instead of parents being able to persuade and influence teachers and administrators regarding their child, then Clayton County would not be in the mess that it is in today.

So for all the people on here talking about this uniform policy…you are not even close to the ball park from understanding what makes a successful student. FEAR OF FAILURE Makes a student work harder. Because trust me, no student wants to see their friends leave them behind. That’s the worst fear of a high school student.

By Vcatron

November 21, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

A respectable dress code is a good thing. I believe that in our economic situation “uniforms” make a great deal of sense by reducing the demands of students wanting to be “fashion plates”. If students do not have the “My cloths are better than yours.” attitude or the distraction of skimpy or gangster clothing; in my opinion the better student they should be. There are other benefits that would then carry over into the real world, like dressing appropriately in the business world.

I understand that uniforms discourage “freedom of expression” fashion wise for minor students. Yes, they are still minor children and have not reached their majority, PARENTS you can dictate what they can wear. When I was in high school we had a dress code that was enforced and that did not affect our “freedom of expression”.

I have worked as a sub in public schools and in middle and high school many students look line hookers or convicts. There is such a thing as dressing for success and we should include that attitude in our schools.

By kaur

November 21, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I completely agree with the rule to have school uniforms, and I think all other counties should follow this example to enforce uniforms in public schools. In addition to keeping students focused on studies, and keeping the debate on $20 jeans vs. $100 jeans out, it also would teach the young crowd to dress up smartly. In the current situation where majority of american kids attend public schools, and most do not have a school uniform policy, the young crowd has the worst dress sense. They just do not want to dress up in collard shirts and formal pants, because they are not used to this smart formal dress-up style.

By A minor detail

November 21, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Clayton County has some of the lowest SAT scores in all of Metro Atlanta. Their schools are failing miserably.

They need uniforms.

By gee..it is a racist statement

November 21, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

they are changing the dress code to UNIFY the school system NOT for the radical statement that you seem to suggest. If you are indeed of the black race, then you are shameful to make such a comment and there in lies the problem i have said so much of the black race - hating too much on each other. If you are not of the black race, then your comment is racist. Either way the comment is not warranted. It seems no subject can be approached without statements of race. This is about uniforms for children in the school system. To assist in the children putting more focus on their education and not the latest trends he or she may or may not have. Yes, it is a minor step in the direction of a major problem, but it isn’t about BLACK PEOPLE NEEDING TO WAKE UP…I agree some of the clothing is questionable, but it is not just within the black race - i have seen young men (and women) in all races not dressing appropriately…with such a one sided irrelevant comment to the content of this blog it may mean that you have been snoozing a little too much yourself.

By Suzanne

November 21, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I am a teacher and know that the dress code issues and the cell phones get in the way of education. I can be teaching the best lesson ever, but a student who is texting isn’t participating. Uniform dress would eliminate much frustration for teachers and disrespectful acts by students. If students look prepared to learn, they will be more likely to learn. Studies also prove that the use of uniforms and uniform dress actually will save money for parents. In today’s economic situation, that would be a help for all families.

By gadem

November 21, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I am in favor of the uniform policy…i am so tired of seeing guys walking around wide legged and holding the front of their pants so that they don’t fall down…dress for success or dress what you are…

By Jeff

November 21, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Rico:

Ah, but therein lies the rub: Parents nor teachers (I speak of the educational establishment, not ALL teachers) will NOT let their precious children/students experience ANY form of failure, because it might ‘hurt their self esteem’.

Never mind that this way of thinking only produces self-absorbed little brats with zero motivation in life…

By Becky

November 21, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

gee…it is a racist statement, I think you need to go back & read what was said..She never says that she thinks, she says, others think..Guess, you are a graduate of Clayton County huh?

By V for Vendetta

November 21, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Rico, much of what you said is true, and I can empathize with your frustrations, but Clayton was held to the same national and state standards to which all of our school districts must adhere. Thems the breaks.

By V for Vendetta

November 21, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

I meant to add … and that’s why they were so desperate to allow kids to pass. My mistake.

By chyren

November 21, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I agree with it completely. It will decrease in the amount of discractions required to maintain focus. It wont solve all the problems of academia because those who don’t want to learn still won’t. I think it will grab those students that are on the cusp of wanting to improve and get sidetracked.

By FED UP

November 21, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

In this particular school system, yes they need uniforms. If the parents cannot control their children’s behavior, then the school system is left to do it. It is sad that school systems have to be the one to teach discipline along with academics…It was not that way when I was in school. You learned to act right at home. School was for academics..

By Martha

November 21, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

As a 37 year teacher (and no prude!), I agree with this policy. I am so tired of looking at butts, boobs and underwear. Kids today, for whatever reason, can wear some of the most provocative outfits and act sooo dumb when confronted about the clothing. “What? You mean I can’t show my 38DD’s? That’s just WRONG!”

Bring on the uniforms, uniform dress code, whatever it takes….then maybe the students can look at a book for a change, instead of butts and boobs. g

By to minor detal..how about this MAJOR detail

November 21, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Georgia ranks 48th nationally in education…So it can’t be just clayton county school systems that are failing miserably - Georgias as a whole has a problem in the education system.

By gee...it is a racist statement

November 21, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Becky…I think you need to take your own advice..WHAT were you reading and WHAT are you referring to? Although Yes I am a proud graduate of the Clayton County School System 1985 (NOW it doesn’t matter WHAT county seeing that Georgia ranks 48th nationally in education By the way, did you know that there are schools in Clayton that are excelling - AGAIN it was never about the education of the children with SACS it was the UNETHICAL behavior of the board (obviously you don’t have any knowledge of what went on)with the statement you made its obvious you have no knowledge of what is going on in this blog now - I won’t take the time to take a jab at you - this is a blog on uniforms impacting the school sytem..do you have any comments on what is relevant?

By Rico

November 21, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

I’m not saying that I disagree with the uniform policy. All I’m saying is that we put so much focus and attention on what doesn’t matter.

As a recent high school graduate, yeah there are times that other students notice just so happen to notice what other kids are wearing, but it is not as significant as you think. Students pay attention to other student’s clothing during lunch, in-between class changes, and when students are still walking into a classroom after switching periods. But after a student is seated, and in your class for approximately an hour…then the teacher takes responsibility from that point on. All I’m saying is that students sit in class the majority of the day, not focusing on things such as clothing, more so than lobbying around worrying about what other students are wearing.

As far as these thugs walking around with these baggy pants hanging off their a@$, I sick and tired of seeing that. Same for these young women with these jeans and low-cut shirts. I hate seeing that as well. Show some class and respect. But again, this too starts at home. We need more parents stepping up to the plate, but also at the same time more students taking responsibility for their own actions.

I’m strongly in support of the uniform change, but is this the problem NO. Will this change how students act NO. Will this help students concentrate more and get better grades NO. Wake up people, the solution to students is just a “A%# Whooping (Oops)/Spanking) away!

By FedUp

November 21, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

You can put perfume on a skunk, but it’s still gonna be a skunk and it’s still gonna stink.

By FedUp

November 21, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

At least you won’t have to worry about your kid getting beat up so someone can steal their clothes, shoes, etc. They should have to wear HARD-SOLED shoes, and save the sneakers for gym class ONLY, like it was when I was in school in the 50’s-60’s. Girls also could not wear slacks, MUCH LESS jeans! No t-shirts. Boys had to wear button up shirts or polo shirts. As long as it had a collar. They also could not wear jeans. Girls’ skirts could not be more than 1” above the knee. All shirts had to be buttoned up except for the very top button. No midriffs. No “shift” dresses without a belt, because without one, “it looked like a maternity dress”. I say let’s go back to the good-old-days. We still had our styles and name brands (Villager, Lady Bug, Aigler, Bass Weeguns, London Fog, etc.). But no one tried to steal your clothes.

By V for Vendetta

November 21, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

gee, this doesn’t need to devolve into anything regarding race. And you’re not entirely correct with your statements about acreditation and SACS involvement. SACS would have no reason to get involved if the unethical actions of the board was not impacting the education of the students. There would be no reason to yank acreditation from a system whose board was acting inappropriately but whose students were still performing well. Anyone who has ever taught in Clayton recently can tell you that (the majority) of learning that goes on down there is a joke. The system is in shambles.

So I ask you: do YOU have any comments that are relevant, or are you here simply to race bait and stir up trouble. Right now you sound very much like a graduate of Clayton County, year notwithstanding.

By Paul

November 21, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hey FedUp, you should have said coon instead of skunk.

By FedUp

November 21, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Not to be confused with “FED UP, who stole my id.

By Paul

November 21, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

They also need to make the monkeys wear penny loafers.

By V...ummmmm

November 21, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

V…try it again…I wasn’t race baiting - i am a proud BLACK woman - i just don’t like the way people tend to use the words - thug and hooligans to relate to people of color and that is what the original Gee was doing “race baiting” in the comment since it is obvious you didn’t read it gee stated that the kids needed to stop dressing and looking like hooligans and then the last comment was BLACK PEOPLE WAKE UP. With that statement it is race baiting implying that ONLY blacks are dressing inappropriately- when ALL of them are dressing INAPPROPRIATELY -I replied with a RELEVANT response to gee’s statement that they all are and that he or she shouldn’t proclaim or exclaim that its blacks - SACS major concern was NOT the education of the children - that is why we as parents started to fight - in ONE of our meetings - SACS responded with that fact that our children lack leadership in the board - nothing was stated about the lack of their education (please don’t go by what you read and hear in the media - they are doing their jobs in selling and retaining ratings). In Clayton right NOW, Jonesboro High School has the HIGHEST SAT scores within the county, They have brought home the title of Champions in the Mock Trial Division 2 years in a row. These children are excelling yet can’t get ahead because of the ignorance of the board - NOW GEORGIA as i said is ranked 48th in the nation in education - so right now it doesn’t matter WHAT county you live in - Our system as a whole is going to hell in a hand basket and all you guys do is point to the education of ONE county…ummm thanks for the credit but clayton didn’t have that much power to bring us down statewide. My comments IF you had truly read them - were relevant in that I stated that it was a minor step in a major direction….NOW, i will not take jabs at you either - that is not what i am on here for…AND yes I am still a proud graduate of the Clayton County School System….year not withstanding Have a wonderful blessed day!

By V....ummmm

November 21, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Race baiting would be what our dear friend Paul is doing…Just read my comments again - you will see what I was referring to.

By Siti

November 21, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

As an employee for CCPS, uniforms are needed. No they will not raise test scores, no they will not make the kids smarter, they will not help with classroom management, and they do not promise ensure accrediation. But it is a start. Each day, I tell young ladies to pull up thier tops beacause I see their breast. Each day I say at least 500 times in ONE hoour to pull up your pants and where is your belt. At this time, my school system needs more structure and more consitancy. If the kids want to dress to impress, do it at home on their own time. However in school more focus needs to be placed on education and not on what type of clothing you have on.

Also please note. WE HAVE HUGE GANG PROBLEMS IN OUR SCHOOLS!!!!! Kids are scared to wear red, blue, yellow, purple, and many other colors for fear of being associated with a gang. A white shirt and khaki pants will eleviate many of the things we go through on a daily basis!

By LeDontri'Laveious

November 21, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I needs to look good at school. I might meet my future baba momma today.

By Not a fan

November 21, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

This creates another bill for families that are already having finace problems. Now you must buy school uniforms plus clothes for them to wear when they are going out somewhere. The kids are not in prison where everybody wears the same thing plus the way they look has nothing to do how they are being taught. That’s the real problem.

By Tony

November 21, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

It is amazing to me that a superficial issue (dress code) gets such heated responses in the blog. In the past few days the topics have generated very little discussion, yet have been about topics with more substance.

Anyway, school uniforms can be a good thing for schools but they will not raise academic achievement. The most important advantage school uniforms can add to schools is in the climate. Safety and security being high on the list. School uniforms eliminate the dress code issues that disrupt some schools.

As for libertarians’ ideals, you may choose to go to another school. Schools should be in charge of what happens rather than kowtowing to a bunch of special interests and whiners.

By Paul

November 21, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

They might not be in prison now, but they are most definitely on their way.

By bnice

November 21, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

I think that it is a very good idea.I just do not get some parents. Some say it will be a strain on their budget. If you think about it, no it will not.Parents save money. You want have to worry about what they will wear everyday. It will take away a lot of peer pressure on the students. School is a place to learn, not a fashion show.A lot of kids get tease about what they wear and can not afford. This should not be.

By Lee

November 21, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

My youngest goes to a private school that requires uniforms and the dress code is strictly enforced. I must say, I like it.

Back to school shopping this year consisted of two new oxford shirts and a pair of shoes. Big difference from the pre-uniform years. Also, the school’s Parents Association has organized a school “consignment shop” where you can take uniform articles that are no longer worn and sell them to other parents.

It’s also refreshing to go to a school function and see young people acting and dressing responsibly.

Public schools could establish this kind of environment if they had the willpower. Unfortunately, I just don’t see that happening.

By Jeff

November 21, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Tony:

Libertarians (capital L and otherwise… there is a difference, it turns out) are out to preserve the freedoms of EVERYONE.

How is that a bad thing?

Heck, my time in the classroom had a HUGE part in my conversion from neo-con to Libertarian….

(BTW: Difference in capitalization: ‘L’ibertarian denotes a member of the Libertarian Party, such as myself. ‘l’ibertarian denotes someone who believes in freedom but is not a member of the Libertarian Party.)

‘Those that would sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither.’ - Franklin (Benjamin, not Shirley)

By catlady

November 21, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

This is as helpful as an umbrella in a hurricane. Discipline is the problem. Clothes are merely a manifestation of self repect and discipline. You can put lipstick on a pig….

By A Fan

November 21, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Not a Fan,

Maybe you could put down the cell phone and purchase the required clothes. If you can not afford children, don’t have them. Also you don’t need a new “grill” if your kids don’t have warm clothes.

By FedUp

November 21, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

@Paul…thanks for the laughs! And those that take it too seriously, or call it “race baiting” need to take a chill pill. If the penny loafer fits…wear it!

By Tony

November 21, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Jeff, I’m familiar with the designations of “L” and “l”. If I recall correctly, earlier this week you came out in favor of strong discipline and how important that was. I think schools can make a difference for kids and it takes a lot of work on our part for that to happen. A good dress code can be used to instill pride in appearance. My main point is that schools should not be ashamed to take back the control that needs to be in place for establishing a good learning environment. If a dress code will help, then do it without apologizing. If people don’t like it, they can go down the road to the next school.

By FedUp

November 21, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Get over yourselves…it’s not only BLACKS that go to school in Clayton Co., so stop acting like it’s a race thing. HOWEVER…blacks do have a tendency to wear their pants around their knees (it’s a prison thing), and the girls tend to want to show everything they have. It’s a distraction in a place where the only distraction should be LEARNING…not how much skin Tyrone or Laquitia is showing.

By 2NotAFan

November 21, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Your kids don’t need that many fashion-savvy outfits to wear on the week-ends. A uniform would be MUCH cheaper. Buy two sets of pants, shirts, skirts and wear one while you wash the other. It’s a LOT cheaper than the name-brands kids are DEMANDING. It’s up to the good parents to tell a kid “no” once in awhile, and obviously “Not A Fan” does not fall into that category. Sounds like YOU are more interested in what your child wears than your child is. You tell the kid, “this is the way it will be”…and that’s it. If they don’t like it, tell them to get a part-time job and buy their OWN clothes to wear after school and on the week-ends. I wish they’d had a dress code when my kids were in school. I hated telling mine “no” when they wanted expensive name brands, but hey…school is NOT a fashion show. It’s an institution of learning. A child will learn more when they are not worried about how they look (they should do away with make-up, too) and are busy looking at someone’s butt-crack, belly-rings, and/or cleavage. Maybe this will make the kids have a little PRIDE in their appearance. It can only be a GOOD thing.

By Kids These Days

November 21, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Kids these days don’t know what school is for, which is evidenced by C.C. schools losing their accreditation. They use it as a place to socialize, get dates, and even have sex. Make them “dress down”, and maybe they can learn what they are there to learn. If you don’t look like a hoochie-mama, you will attract a better class of people…not just another “baby daddy”.

By NOT SO FAST FED UP

November 21, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

you are correct in saying it isn’t a race issue - although MANY are making it as such. Where you veered off onto the wrong path is to make the statement about the sagging pants and the girls wanting to show everything…the white children ARE doing the same things. I have seen children in every race doing the saggy thing and showing everything that they have…don’t go there with the names - after hearing the names of a certain vice presidental nominee - with names like Trek, Trig, Bristol, - tyrone nor laquitia looks to degrading. She isn’t the only one i have just read where ashley simpson just named her son Bronx - my point…the horrible names exist in ALL races. Will it ever come a time that these blogs will be relevant to the content and not an open forum to spew hatred at one another. No wonder our school systems across the state are horrible - look how we as adults are conducting ourselves. I think the uniforms are a good idea to put the main focus back where it belongs - on EDUCATION

By Long time Clayton Teacher

November 21, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Wonderful!!! A great step in the right direction!!

By 2 kids these days

November 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Just for the record…I agree our kids have lost focus (ALL races of children)however, Just so that you know - the kids didn’t lose the accrediation it was the board’s ignorance in how they ran the educational system. You can stretch and blame the parents for putting that board into place BUT the children had nothing to do with.

By middleschoolteacher

November 21, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Georgia is not 48th nationally in education as there is no ranking for states in educational levels. We have no way of comparing states in all areas of education.

GEORGIA IS 48TH IN SAT SCORES!!!!!

By FedUp

November 21, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

NOT SO FAST…You can dress it up, but you can’t take it out. The sagging pants and hoochie-mama look originated in the black community…you can’t deny it, along with the dancing that looks like you are having sex on the dance floor, and rap songs that promote violence, drugs and sex. I didn’t say blacks were the ONLY ONES…I said it ORIGINATED with them. Like it or not, the truth hurts. I have yet to see a young black person dress to impress, or speak normal English. (And then have the audacity to complain because they can’t get the “good jobs”.) Get an education, learn to speak and dress properly, and you won’t have a reason to gripe about not being given the same opportunites.

By middlechoolteacher

November 21, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the fact straightening out during this blog…but REALLY is that ANY better

By mamaj

November 21, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Though I am a proponent of the school uniform policy wholeheartedly, it will not work if it is not implemented consistently AND fairly. The Atlanta public school on McDonough Blvd S.E. that my daughter attends, has a uniform policy that they implement depending on what day of the week it is. You can sit in the parking lot and watch every color and style of pants and shirts that you can imagine, and nothing is said; but on certain days, they appoint a teacher or whatever, to sit at the door and check for shirts, and will send you home if you have a collared polo shirt on, but it does not have the school’s LOGO on it. If they don’t care that a child misses a whole class, waiting for a parent to bring a shirt from home with a logo on it (they cost $20 at school, as opposed to the polos at the uniform store for $5), then something is inherently wrong with their uniform policy, and the results you are striving for will NEVER happen!

By Hmmm

November 21, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Middle School Teacher: And just what do the SAT Scores reflect? It is a SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST. It covers reading, math and writing. It has EVERYTHING to do with education.

By WhoseFault?

November 21, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

If a child misses a whole class waiting for mom to bring the proper shirt, then whose fault is that? The child and the parent should be aware of the dress code, and if they choose not to follow it, then they face the consequences. How is it that the rest of the kids know what to wear, and only a few choose to ignore the ‘rules’? It’s the child’s/parent’s fault. Do as you’re told, and you won’t be missing classes while waiting for the proper attire.

By lets get serious

November 21, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

I have two kids in elementary school and was upset that they had to wear uniforms. What’s the purpose kids go to school to learn. If students come to school with improper clothes they should be sent home. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure their children go to school with the proper clothing.

By Fashionista

November 21, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

What is so hard to understand about khaki pants/skirts, and other colored shirts? No one can mess that one up…well, maybe some of you can. But most will find that it’s not difficult to find these items…they are in most, if not all, department and discount chains. Everyone has khaki. There was nothing about the school logo on the shirts. Just the type and colors. It’s a good idea that everyone wear the same thing. That way the less fortunate will not be made fun of for not having the “right clothes”, because everyone will be the same. You have plenty of time to express your individuality after school and on week-ends. School is for learning, not showing off your clothes. I think this is a wonderful idea, and should be adopted by ALL schools! And be sure to tell the girls the expected length of skirts, i.e. no more than 1-2” above the knee, boys keeping shirts tucked in, socks required, and NO SNEAKERS. Those should be reserved for gym class ONLY.

By Bring It On!

November 21, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

@Let’s Get Serious…your post makes no sense. Yes, your kids are there to LEARN…so why are you upset about a uniform dress code? This would keep kids from coming to school dressed improperly. (Many kids leave dressed to mom’s approval, but not the school’s approval…or they leave dressed properly, only to change when they get to school.) By having this dress code, the school can make sure that all kids are dressed to LEARN…not dressed to show off. If a school had to stop what it was doing every day to send more than a few kids home because of their improper dress, it would be yet ANOTHER disruption and waste of class time. When they come to school dressed in the proper clothes, they are ready to start school, not waste the time of those that are there to learn.

By Brenda

November 21, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

By Paul

Paul, you have a lot of hate in your heart. Be careful, people like you usually end up committing suicide or molesting little girls and boys.

By lets get serious

November 21, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

I am upset because I am very capable of dressing my own kids. That is something I learned from my parents. I don’t need a uniform to let me know that my kids are dressed properly. I think the real reason for uniforms is because some kids dress nicer than others. When children attend school they should not be dressed in trendy clothes worn in the music videos. If we teach our children how to dress properly now they will not have a problem dressing in the future. The uniform dress code is not teaching our children how to dress for the future. Besides everyone is entitled to their own opinion so just because the majority of parents approve of the dress code does not mean I have to approve of it. If parents disapprove of the uniform dress code they should have the option to not take part in it. Why should I be part of majority when I don’t agree with it. I attended school not wearing a uniform and I never experienced any of the problems that goes on in school. I know times have changed but parents should teach their kids how to dress and the importance of attending school.

By lets get serious

November 21, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Thank you (Not a Fan) I totally agree with you.

By TheBlogger

November 21, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

I am shocked (okay - not really) by how many people take this personally. Possibly you do know how to dress your kids. Heck, you may even send little Johnny off to school in a suit and tie.

But, you don’t know for certain what Johnny does when he’s not in your sight. Maybe he gets picked on by other kids because his dress isn’t “cool.” Maybe he envys other kid’s clothes. Maybe other kids pick on him because of his suit, they assume he thinks he is above them.

All of the above can be distracting to learning - and that is what school is all about.

Why would any parent really get upset by school uniforms? If anything, this will make the lives of parents easier: no back-to-school shopping for clothes, no worrying about if your kids are properly dressed, no picking out clothes for them to wear the next day, etc.

By Sue

November 21, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

As a parent I must say that I welcome the uniform dress code. My kids are in middle and elementary schools in clayton; they have worn uniforms for the past two years and I just LOVE it. Next year my oldest will be in High School and that will be great for my budget….

By Tim

November 21, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Clayton County is the pits…the cesspool of the metro area. Maybe uniforms are the right direction to bring that county back from what it is today…uniforms make the students look more professional, they will have higher self esteem, maybe actually want to learn so they can go to college or get a job so they aren’t living in the ghetto apartments along Tara Blvd. It is a step in the right direction.

By Are you kidding?

November 21, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Uniforms won’t do a d@mn thing; in fact they’ll do less than a d@mn thing by creating the FACADE that someone has addressed discipline. What difference does a uniform make if you can say “Go f—k yourself, b!tch” to a teacher and be let back into class fifteen minutes later by an administrator who’s too spineless to take any action?

But that’s ClayCo for you; let’s not deal with any REAL issues, let’s just pretend accreditation is the ONLY problem, and everything else is world class.

Speaking of “world class” how’s John Thompson working out for you? Working out great for the students; he’s letting them run the asylum.

By KimWhit

November 21, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

I’ve always felt that the high school student should have been the first to be required to wear uniforms. The elementary babies and the middle schoolers were not the biggest offenders when it came to inappropriate dress. Next year it will be very gratifying not to see a bunch of video girls and duffle bag boys on the bus stop.

My daughter attends private school and wears uniforms daily (plaid jumper, peter pan collar, maryjanes tie..etc.) You pay the $150 for the set at the beginning of the season and you are done! I am so tired of hearing about kids “rights” and feeling. This is really about some stupid parents living vicariously through their kids. Our task is to create educated, self sufficient, responsible adults who will not be a liability on society.

I’ve noticed that most of these kids don’t know how to conduct themselves in polite society and have no social graces. The young men walk like monkeys because they are trying to keep their pants up. They try to see how menacing they can appear. They are unable to articulate or express themselves without incorporating ridiculous slang (shawty, folks, main). The young ladies either look like young men or skanks and speak loudly. It is a badge of honor to see how ghetto their behavior can appear. They are only a couple of years from the job market and will sadly sit for an interview and address the hiring manager as “Main or Shawty” with someone’s name tattooed on their neck. They will be totally uncomfortable in the “mainstream” culture, and easily intimidated due to lack of exposure. These folks will not be in a position to benefit from an Obama presidency.

The stakes are much higher than any time in history. Our kids have more advantages than their grandparents who lived under Jim Crow and managed to accomplish less. We don’t have a moment to waste on stupidity. There will be a large, uneducated underclass who will work for the small, educated upper class. The living wage jobs have either been shipped overseas or don’t exist. These kids need to know this and we are remiss if we don’t articulate this early and often. Everyone should be 100% behind school uniforms.

By jim d

November 23, 2008 5:31 AM | Link to this

OH BULL S#&*,

Their is no credible evidence that school uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic acheivement. Just a bunch of facists saying so don’t make it so. The fact is that some great students are terrible dressers.

Dress does not necessarily improve learning.

By jim d

November 23, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this

Last time I checked we were in America!!

IMHO, uniform policies ARE a violation of students’ rights to free expression, and are nothing more than a Band-Aid that fails to address the real causes of youth violence.

Any idiot that thinks teen violence will be stemmed by changing the clothes on their back needs to get a clue.

By jim d

November 23, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this

Don’t miss this photo op of school kids in uniform

By Get a clue

November 23, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Well if school uniforms are so bad and only fascists think we should implement them…why do most private schools require some form of uniform? After all, aren’t private schools SO MUCh better than the public schools? Shouldn’t the public schools be trying to emulate the private schools?

Students do not have a first amendment rught to wear whatever the hell they feel like wearing. Sort of like I don’t have the right to wear whatever the hell I feel like wearing to my job. If you want to “express yourself” do it on your own time. I believe some communities also have laws regarding “appropriate attire” and many businesses will not cater to your needs if you are not dressed to their standards.

By bearcasey

November 24, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

I favor uniforms but they are not a panacea. My son is a senior at Northview. He wears basketball garb to school everyday and a “Beatles” circa 1965 hair cut. He scored 2070 on the SAT and will be attending Georgia Tech’s School of Architecture next year. Somehow, I don’t think it’s because of the clothing or hair!

By Not Constitutional...But Let's Try it Anyhow! They NEED Uniforms!

November 24, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

This is the right policy for the right district. If there is a place and a time for such a policy…..Clayton County is it!

Put it this way: It can’t hurt!

That being said, uniforms are not Constitutional (that’s why they’re trying to not use the word - still won’t work). If a parent takes this to court — the policy will not stand. The Constitution does not allow the government to uniform your child. But until that happens….let’s use these uniforms and try to get some better results down there!

By Romona

November 24, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Having students look alike is not going to improve their education. Having properly supplied classrooms, and better communication between parents and teachers will do that. When students see that parents truly take an active part in their education they do better. When teachers teach so all students can learn and not just to the faster learners, students feel that they matter. Yes, uniforms will no longer set those financially challenged students apart, but it wont make better students.

By JackieM

November 24, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

After reading the comments above, I came across one that was by someone that’s called “fed UP”. I was eager to understand why this person is concerned about where bad dress originated rather than a helpful solution on how tho correct the problem. I am multiracial and consider both my backgrounds but they ultimately don’t make me who I am. My desire to learn, and to be the best that I can is what takes me through each day. All children need to know this. We are a world full of Children that need the same foundation “LOVE”. They need to know that if they aren’t getting encouragement at home, then it does exist somewhere else other than negative places. Black, White, Blue, green or rainbow there is enough negative to kill good futures .

By Abu

November 24, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Accountable administration, teachers, and parents effect a child’s performance in school. Not their appearance. I am sick, tired, and frustrated with this administration and many others inability to take responsibilty and clean up their curriculum and the way it is administered. I am a former student of that school system and many others. My G.P.A. nor my scholarship offers from Ohio State, Duke, Michigan, and Penn State were effected by the way I dressed. And I do dress “urban”. I can show you the letter of invite from Harvard University to show you that these colleges do not care for your dress as long as you are taking care of business in the classroom. It angers me that you believe what jeans your son wears can magically turn him from a c to an a student. the adults need to take hold of what their children are doin in and out of the classroom. and if you have any responses to what I said email me abu.sesay1@gmail.com

By V for Vendetta

November 24, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

JimD, Nazis? Really? C’mon now.

I think everyone is getting WAY too bent out of shape about this. As bearcasey stated, the uniforms will not fix all of the problems—not even close. However, they will provide the one service for which they are intended: The elimination of comparisons between students based on clothing, as well as a healthy dose of Broken Spirit. Look, when the situation slides as far as it did in Clayton (or as far as it’s going to slide in my district, for that matter), action needs to be taken. It’s not that I enjoy seeing such a rule implemented—quite the opposite—but as a teacher and a professional, I understand the reason for it.

As far as constitutionality is concerned … because of the nature of school I don’t see anyone winning a case against this in court. It just won’t happen. Like it or not, thems the breaks.

By Read this quote

November 24, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

This quote from a Clayton substitute teacher show what a complete and total joke uniforms are.

**Beverly Travis, a Clayton substitute teacher, said some parents don’t seem to care or have time to discipline their children. Many parents had children when they were teenagers themselves and never learned what it takes to raise a child, she said.

She said she has seen students spit on floors, curse and threaten school staff.

“When I go to Riverdale High School, when I go to Jonesboro High School, they are the most disrespectful students,” Travis said. “It can’t continue like this. It’s dangerous. Teachers are afraid. These are not lovely children. We’re talking about thugs.”**

ClayCo got rid of the board members who were willing to address discipline so now ClayCo is getting to pay for the superintendent it deserves, and is getting exactly the type of schools they deserve.

By Tony

November 24, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Unconstitutional? I don’t think so. There is no mention of uniforms or schools in the US constitution. It would be a stretch to claim freedom of expression, but court rulings have already given wide latitude to schools when it comes to student dress codes.

By Tony

November 24, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

abu - I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the way a person dresses is an important issue. It may not affect your learning or your intelligence. It will definitely have an impact on your employment.

By Diane

November 24, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

If parents would act like parents and teach their kids how to dress, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion! When my daughter was in high school, I refused to buy clothes that showed too much skin. Now, it appears that the more they show, the better! Come on parents, take some responsibility and teach your kids some morals!

By Jeff

November 24, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Tony:

There is no mention of uniforms or schools in the US constitution.

Exactly.

Meaning the National government has NO authority in these areas, per the 10th Amendment, which states “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” (emphasis mine)

By Tony

November 24, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Jeff, you did an excellent job of making my point. The states and local governments may therefore establish rules for their schools as they see fit - including dress codes.

By V for Vendetta

November 24, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

Absolutely correct … EXCEPT:

The school is paid for by taxes and run by the government; however, the school does not make rules, laws, and statutes which affect the population at large. Because of the limited population affected, not to mention their ages across the academic spectrum, it would be near impossible for a judge to rule that dress codes are unconstitutional. As Tony said, schools have been given a degree of freedom on the subject.

Who knows, maybe people will start campaigning for more prisoners’ rights now. I mean, those are government-run institutions, too, right?

By HS Teacher, Too

November 24, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

We’re not talking about kids wearing black arm bands to protest the Vietnam War, Jeff. Seems to me that as long as the dress code is neutral and generally applicable, it would pass muster. Freedom of expression is quite limited, my friend, and to claim otherwise is simply to be ignorant of caselaw. In fact, I just did a cursory search on Westlaw and found 212 federal cases that include “school” within the same sentence as “Dress code” and nearly every one of them upheld the school’s dress code when it was applied fairly.

If you’d like some cites, let me know and I’ll be glad to post some.

By jim d

November 24, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

This is really pretty funny stuff when you stop to consider what older adults were saying about our generation. (Ok Mine) But ya gotta admit every generation has had issues with appearance of the younger generation.

Get over y’all it is just clothing!

By Lori

November 24, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I think uniforms can be a good idea. But I’m not sure that the Uniform Dress idea that Clayton Co is adopting really addresses what they intend. First, I don’t believe it will make kids learn better. If they don’t care now, they won’t care then. I do agree that uniform dress can enhance safety as non-students can be quickly recognized (provided the intruder doesn’t dress alike). I also think it can provide for less social distractions. However, the comment about it equalizing students is completely ridiculous. Unless kids are made to wear a particular uniform brand, there will still be differences in low and high income students. There’s a big difference between walmart khakis and a pair of Calvin Kleins, and don’t think that kids won’t notice the difference just because they are the same color.

By Sohna H

November 24, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Greetings Georgia, I recently moved down here from Maryland. In Prince George’s County, unifroms were put into place about two or three years ago. Personally, I enjoyed wearing unifroms when I was in school. There are pros and cons to this issue. Pros: no need to choose outfit the night before, no visible clothing differences that cause division and fights, no little this and that showing, no cargo pants holding drugs or guns or unneccesary items and it can promote school pride. Cons: upset students (who cares as long as they’re learning), colors can be an issue in certain neighborhoods and okay the pros outweigh the cons. My point is that children are children and they must learn how to cooperate. When they get jobs that require a dress code, they don’t get up in arms about that. Cooperate America and the government have drees codes and policies that must be ahered to. I say, get them in the practice now. I am speaking as a former student, former teacher and current tutor. Like it or hate it, people have died due to what they were wearing.

By luvs2teach

November 24, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

I’m kind of neutral on uniforms. I think some students have appallingly bad taste in clothes and look terrible - of course, a little rebellion is a part of developing independence in a teenager.

Unfortunately, in some areas, clothes can get you killed - and it looks like those areas are becoming our areas.

From a middle class mindset, uniforms seem unneccesary - we parents buy what’s acceptable and check what our kids are wearing - we may allow for a little individuality and expression, but we also ultimately draw the line at what’s generally considered unacceptable for middle class institutions such as business and school.

Unfortunately, for many children in poverty (black, white, hispanic, native american, etc), they don’t know anyone who works in a middle class job where a certain level dress is expected. Once upon a time we had “Sunday Best” and that seemed to cross many levels, but that has sadly gone the way of men’s hats (yet unfortunately not baseball caps).

Uniform dress has its benefits, not the least of which is teaching children that there are times for which a proper attire is expected. There is group led by Stephen Peters called “The Gentlemen’s Club” (no, not that kind of gentlemen’s club, lol). It works with kids from poverty, teaching them manners, among other things. One of the first things it does is have the boys wear a shirt and tie.

Even watching an old movie like To Sir With Love - one of the things “Sir” works on is their dress. You dress better - you feel better - you act better - just watch an episode of What Not to Wear, lol.

So is it a cure-all? no. Will it help? Possibly. If they did it in my school would I be OK with it? Yes. If they did it in my child’s school would I be ok with it? Yes - I think those who wear a uniform to school don’t end up wearing uniforms later on.

By Concerned oldtimer

November 24, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Metro Nashville, Davidson County has a uniform dress code and still as much violence as before it began in many schools. Current research tells us anything you do will help for one year, but then things go back to the way they were. Educating parents and enforcing the current dress code will make the diffenrence.

By tTony

November 24, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Just one more example of how the public education system has failed and failed miserably. Seperate your kids from it if you can.

By norvell robinson

November 25, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Will this help to curb the floating of the minds and help to concentrate on the subject to pass?

By Aki

November 26, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

I’m just a 14 years old kid and I was just looking for some back up info for my School Uniform Persuasive essay. I’m in favor of the uniform policies even though I don’t care if there is one in my high school or not… I disagree with whoever saying that uniforms help student with their academic problem, like low grades or SAT scores. Learning depends on the students, not what they’re wearing. If ones doesn’t want to learn then changing the way they look isn’t going to help much. My mom said I look like a hooligan because I always wear Capri, t-shirt (tug in at the front of my belts only, tennis sneakers, and sometimes a backward cap. But that doesn’t affect my learning or my conduct, I’m still a straight As 4.0 GPA student. Not only me but top graduates at my school are like that too. So I don’t think it’s true that academic achievement can improve just by changing the way you look. I guess instituting uniform will decrease behavior problems and tighten school security…who knows, it might help, it might not.

By geese

November 26, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Up with mini-skirts / down with uniforms!

By Lynn-43

November 26, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

If given sour milk, rotten eggs, stale sugar, and no flavoring, even Ben and Jerry’s couldn’t make ice cream that could be consumed. Same with students. Parents need to do their part first and send the schools a product that they can work with.

By dittohead

November 27, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

By dittohead

November 27, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

By chante

March 19, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this

i don’t think it matters what we wear to school its our teacher’s the should change

By chante

March 19, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this

i don’t think it matters what we wear to school its our teacher’s the should change

By Meme

March 19, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

Wow! Maybe you should concentrate on learning a little more instead of worrying about what you wear.