Arlington principals support standardized dress code, survey finds

ARLINGTON — Almost 77 percent of Arlington principals recently surveyed by school administrators are in favor of a standardized dress policy, district trustees heard Thursday night.

Such policies also get high praise from Tarrant County schools that have them, the report said.

The board asked its administrators this year to gather information about standardized dress. A committee of parents, students and staffers recommended that they consider the option districtwide for the 2009-10 year.

Fourteen of Arlington’s elementary schools and two junior highs have chosen to have uniforms.

Standardized dress guidelines are less rigid than uniforms, giving students more choices of colors, styles and manufacturers.

Malcolm Turner, Arlington’s executive director of student services, said officials visited two Dallas County school districts and schools in the Fort Worth, Crowley, Kennedale and Birdville districts to find out more about their standardized dress policies. They also surveyed Arlington principals.

Turner said there were no "hard data" about whether standardized dress improved test scores or decreased discipline problems. But he passed along the perceptions of the other districts. They included feelings that the policies help with discipline, removed socioeconomic barriers between students and increased student pride.

Board President Jim Ash asked that the issue be put on a future agenda so that the board could have time to absorb the study.
TRACI SHURLEY, 817-548-5494


Source: star-telegram.com