Hi Misko,
Thank you for your question.
According to the Education Commission of the States regarding state
policies on school uniforms and dress codes, Illinois is one of the
states that does not legislatively mandate the use of school uniforms.
Nevertheless you must note that many schools are participating
voluntarily in the requirement school uniforms.
Education Commission of the States Website
http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/27/09/2709.htm
The following is specifically addressed for the state of Illinois on
dress codes and uniforms. "School boards may establish uniform
policies for all or some schools under their jurisdiction, when
"necessary to maintain the orderly process of a school function or
prevent endangerment of student health or safety." Grace period
allowed for, during which students who have not purchased uniforms or
dress-code compliant clothes will not be disciplined. Policy also must
allow for procedure by which board will help or accommodate for
"student from an indigent family in complying with an applicable
school uniform or dress code policy." Parental opt-out on religious
grounds allowed for.”
Education Commission of the States Website
http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/27/09/2709.htm
On the chart at the bottom of the page you can see some examples of
school district-level policies on school uniforms for Illinois.
Education Commission of the States Website
http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/27/09/2709.htm
Here it is stated that “All Chicago Public Schools follow the uniform
discipline code, but some may differ in specific rules, such as
wearing uniforms. Individual schools can adopt additional regulations
the UDC does not address. Be sure to learn the particular rules of
your school and ask your child’s teachers how you can support their
classroom management programs.”
Chicago Public Schools Website
http://www.cps.k12.il.us/Instruction/UDC/udc.html
At the ECS website they say “Approximately 80% of Chicago’s public
schools require uniforms”
Quick facts from Education Commission of the States Website
http://www.ecs.org/html/IssueSection.asp?issueid=145&s=Quick+Facts
According to the National Association of Elementary School Principals,
442 Chicago schools are participating voluntarily with school uniform
policies:
National Association of Elementary School Principals
http://www.naesp.org/misc/uniformsbg.htm
Additional information that may interest you:
There is an article “School Uniforms: Where They Are and Why They
Work” that may interest you published on the US Department of
Education website. They state “In response to growing levels of
violence in our schools, many parents, teachers, and school officials
have come to see school uniforms as one positive and creative way to
reduce discipline problems and increase school safety. They observed
that the adoption of school uniform policies can promote school
safety, improve discipline, and enhance the learning environment.”
For More Information about school programs with uniforms, you can call
the U.S. Department of Education Safe and Drug Free Schools office.
Their phone number is: 1-800-624-0100.
US Department of Education Website
http://www.ed.gov/updates/uniforms.html
Search terms used:
State policies on school uniforms and dress codes
Illinois schools school board policies uniforms
I hope this information has been helpful.
Best regards,
Bobbie7 |
