Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

There is no good scientific data to prove that wearing school uniforms in any grade leads to better academic performance or an improved school environment.
Q
I would like to know the pros and cons of school uniforms, especially in the middle school years.
A
There is no good scientific data to prove that wearing school uniforms in any grade leads to better academic performance or an improved school environment. I wrote a column on school uniforms, which looks at the anecdotal findings presented by school uniform advocates and offers my opinion on the issue. Perform a keyword search on our site with "school uniforms" and you'll find my column and other relevant information and discussions.

Carleton Kendrick has been in private practice as a family therapist and has worked as a consultant for more than 20 years. He has conducted parenting seminars on topics ranging from how to discipline toddlers to how to stay connected with teenagers. Kendrick has appeared as an expert on national broadcast media such as CBS, Fox Television Network, Cable News Network, CNBC, PBS, and National Public Radio. In addition, he's been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, USA Today, Reader's Digest, BusinessWeek, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and many other publications.

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