Presentation slides from the March 4 DCPS Workshop meeting

1. UNIFORM WORKSHOP
MARCH 4TH, 2016

2. Summary of District Survey
 Of ~9K participants:
- Overall: 52% no and 48% yes
- Parents (50% of survey): 54% yes and 46% no
- Teachers (11% of survey): 57% yes and 43% no
- Community Organizations (3% of survey): 55% no and 45% yes
- Community Members (13% of survey): 55% yes and 45% no
- Students (23% of survey): 75% no and 25% yes

3. Summary of SAC/PTA Engagement for Non-Uniform Schools
 Based on overall school based PTA/SAC vote for elementary and middle schools
without uniforms,
-72% support, 7% spilt, and 21% against (all schools)
- 71% support, 3% split, and 17% against (elementary schools)
- 64% support, 7% split, and 29% against (middle schools)
 Overall individual votes of PTA/SAC members in attendance at engagement
meeting:
Elementary: 64% yes, 34% no, 2% undecided
Middle School: 54% yes, 38% no, 8% undecided
Combined Elementary and Middle: 63% yes, 35% no, 2% undecided

4. Survey Results
Elementary
Schools
Currently Implement
Uniforms
Do you support a
Districtwide Uniform Policy
96 voting
37 –yes
59 - no
78 (81%) yes
18 (19%) no
Middle
Schools
Currently Implement
Uniforms
Do you support a
Districtwide Uniform Policy
27 voting
14 –yes
13 - no
23 (85%) yes
4 (15%) no
Elementary and
Middle Schools
Currently Implement
Uniforms
Do you support a
Districtwide Uniform Policy
123 voting
51 –yes
72 – no
101 (82%) yes
22 (18%) no
Elementary Schools If District does not implement uniforms district-wide, do
you plan to implement school uniforms for 2016-2017?
96 voting
51 (53%) yes
45 (47%) no
Middle Schools If District does not implement uniforms district-wide, do
you plan to implement school uniforms for 2016-2017?
27 voting
15 (55%) yes
12 (45%) no
Elementary and Middle
Schools
If District does not implement uniforms district-wide, do
you plan to implement school uniforms for 2016-2017?
123 voting
66 (54%) yes
57 (46%) no
High
Schools
Currently Implement
Uniforms
Do you support a
Districtwide Uniform Policy
20 voting
3 –yes
17 - no
18 (90%) yes
2 (10%) no
High Schools If District does not implement uniforms district-wide, do
you plan to implement school uniforms for 2016-2017?
20 voting
6 (30%) yes
14 (70%) no
All
Schools
Currently Implement
Uniforms
Do you support a
Districtwide Uniform Policy
143 voting
54 –yes
89 - no
119 (83%) yes
24 (17%) no
Elementary and Middle
Schools
If District does not implement uniforms district-wide, do
you plan to implement school uniforms for 2016-2017?
123 voting
66 (54%) yes
57 (46%) no
All Schools If District does not implement uniforms district-wide, do
you plan to implement school uniforms for 2016-2017?
143 voting
72 (51%) yes
71 (49%) no

5. Most Common Questions and Concerns from Uniform
Feedback Sessions
 Uniforms limit freedom of expression
 Uniforms limit creativity
 How will schools address students who are not in uniform due to economic
disadvantage status?
 How will elementary schools handle discipline for not wearing a uniform?
 Will there be “dress out” or “color days” outside of the mandatory uniforms?
 Why aren’t high schools included in the mandatory uniform consideration?
 Will teachers and staff be required to wear uniforms?

6. Recommendations from Principals who are Implementing
Uniform Policy or Did a Decade Ago
 100% recommendation to adopt the policy districtwide for principals with uniform
policy. Improves culture, morale , focus, discipline, and brand of school to recruit
students.
 Develop a plan for colder weather (long sleeve shirts)
 No opt out
 Allow schools to have flexibility with the specific uniform (i.e. colors, logo)
 Need district support with disadvantaged students
 Announce policy early to engage parents and uniform vendors

7. Overall Conclusions
 Majority of principals, teachers, and parents support a uniform policy
 Students oppose uniforms
 The minority of parents and school PTA/SAC that oppose a uniform policy are
strongly opposed to it
 Board’s thoughts and questions….