I observed classes at a middle school today. Public school, usual public school dilemmas. It seemed a little calmer than some, though, and this was due to two things: 1) it was a lovely, sunny, fall day and 2) they wore uniforms.
The uniforms they wore are uniforms noveau, ie, you can wear what you want, but it's gotta be blue or black bottoms and a white shirt. Sweatshirts were in dark or grey solids. Shoes could be whatever.
Sometimes the students complain. One teacher's response? "You can wear what you want when you graduate from college."
Meaning, of course, if you want a job that doesn't have a uniform, you're going to have to go to college.
Now, in the adult world this isn't entirely true, but in the world of the middle school known for have having the lowest test scores in the district it sure is.
The atmosphere at this school is reallly nice. It's clear at the moment of cliched foot-set-in that care is given. Really. At schools where this is not true, the anger and angst wallop you in the face before you can sign in and slap on your visitor's badge.
Love and uniforms, baby, they can lead the way.
Okay, and a strong faculty.
And parents who give a rat's ass.
But still. I like the uniforms. Everything is tidy.
If we could just get smaller classes and maybe some single sex classes and do away with those testing standards...
Oh, in case you were wondering, I think the clear backpack mandate is a load of crap. (They don't have it at this particular school. This school still has lockers, even.)
Posted by Ida at October 25, 2002 02:15 AM