University of Missouri - Saint Louis

The Graduate School

Announcement

An oral examination in defense of the dissertation for the degree

Doctor of Education

Michelle Burkemper
M.A. in Education Administration, May, 2001, Lindenwood College.
M.A. in Special Education, May, 1994, Lindenwood College.
B.S. in Physical Education/Health, May, 1992, Culver-Stockton College.

The Attitudes and Perceptions of Students and Staff Toward the Wearing of Uniforms in Public High Schools

Abstract

Using a quantitative method of data collection, this research explored the questions: What are the attitudes and perceptions of students and staff regarding the mandatory wearing of school uniforms in the public school setting? Do students in different grade levels view uniforms differently? Does gender make a difference in the way students perceive school uniforms?

Surveys were distributed by the administration to 2,100 students and 130 staff members in one local suburban high school, with a return rate of 81%. The review found both support for and opposition to the use of mandatory uniforms in public schools. Five coding themes were generated by a pilot study of the instrument used: effects on behavior, achievement, school climate, social standards, and policy implementation.

An analysis of the archival survey results indicated the support for and the opposition to school uniforms varied depending on the grade, gender, and Grade Point Average (GPA) of the students in relation to the five themes. Students in 9th through 11th grade made no overall claims as to the correlation of uniforms having an effect on behavior, achievement, school climate, social standards, or policy implementation; however, there was scattered support among these students. Be that as it may, 12th grade males did unanimously favor the institution of a mandatory school uniform policy.

Analysis of the teacher results indicated strong agreement in the benefit of a mandatory school uniform policy in regard to all themed areas.

Defense of Dissertation Committee

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