According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of public schools that reported they have made wearing school uniforms in 2003-2004 and 2011-2012 was from 13 to 19%, most of which were public schools with high poverty levels.
The school-sanctioned uniform policy is becoming popular among districts and schools in the hopes of school administrators that students will have better grades, increased self-esteem and better behavior. As reviewed by the author of the book The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us About American Education, David Brunsma, there have been negative perceptions about wearing school uniforms in relation to school safety and performance of students. Conversely, parents were not also in favor of uniform policies before but now, they are beginning to appreciate it. To have a better understanding on how school uniform policies affect the educational system and the students as well, let us take a look at the benefits and setbacks of this policy.