Uniform approach should be standard
R.O. Hardin Elementary School in Hollister has made it clear to
students and parents that there is one primary objective in
education, and that is learning.
R.O. Hardin this year became the first school in the Hollister
district to implement a uniform policy. It was a positive step for
the school and the district as a whole, because it sets the stage
for curtailment of gang activity, bullying and unnecessary
distractions for students and teachers. It also serves as a logical
test case for the district, which should monitor the situation at
R.O. Hardin in considering an expansion of the uniform rules to
other schools in the city.
Uniform approach should be standard
R.O. Hardin Elementary School in Hollister has made it clear to students and parents that there is one primary objective in education, and that is learning.
R.O. Hardin this year became the first school in the Hollister district to implement a uniform policy. It was a positive step for the school and the district as a whole, because it sets the stage for curtailment of gang activity, bullying and unnecessary distractions for students and teachers. It also serves as a logical test case for the district, which should monitor the situation at R.O. Hardin in considering an expansion of the uniform rules to other schools in the city.
Those rules, though, are restricted by the state, which mandates that students have a choice and can’t be penalized by a public school for violating a uniform policy. In essence, it is a voluntary program, and that means school officials will have to stay vigilant in their assessment and encouragement throughout the year, and looking forward as well.
They have to remain vigilant because the stakes are so high, and the potential outcomes are well worth the effort. Study after study has underscored the vast benefits of uniform policies in schools, and there is good reason why private institutions routinely have required standard attire.
Most important, such uniform policies at public schools have resulted in improved academic results. Students’ minds stay focused on the classroom, and not trying to dwell so much on personal expression and trying to impress peers – or avoid ridicule.
As the saying goes, kids can be mean. Why not reduce those opportunities for bullies? Why not send a message to all students that fashion isn’t the end all in life, that people can learn to express themselves through a more natural, genuine mechanism, a personality?
Why not make the start of the school year easier on everyone, including parents? Those parents, meanwhile, can drastically cut their costs for school clothing with a uniform policy.
Beyond the everyday harassment that occurs at schools just about everywhere, Hollister also has a serious gang problem. As everyone knows, gangs associate themselves with certain colors, which can lead to tensions among rival gang members and intimidation toward other students who aren’t involved in a criminal street gang. Implementing the policy has the potential to ease those tensions and keep current or prospective gang members focused on more important matters in life, such as getting a good education.
The upside for a uniform policy is much too significant to ignore, for R.O. Hardin and the entire district. Not only that, it is glaring enough to make such policies a priority in the district, to continue monitoring and improving the program so it results in a lasting, positive impact.
