NUMBER OF LEARNERS’ WEARING SCHOOL UNIFORM

IN POLOMOLOK NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND

THEIR LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON
THE IMPORTANCE OF IT

A Research Presented to
POLOMOLOK NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Brgy. Cannery Site, Polomolok
South Cotabato

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for
PRACTICAL RESEARCH II

By

MARY GRACE PARACHA

SEPTEMBER 2017
Abstract

This study aimed to determine the number of learners wearing school uniform in
Polomolok National High School and the level of awareness on the importance of it.

The significance of this research is for the school administration, parents, and
learners and to the other researcher to have an awareness on the importance of
wearing school uniform.

This study has utilized survey correlational quantitative research in non-

experimental design, in determining the relationship between the number of the learners
wearing the school uniform and the learners’ level of awareness on the importance of it.

The data collection technique that the researcher used was through self-made
questionnaire prepared by the researcher. The researcher searched different literature
that is related to the study and to have references for this research.

The researcher got the mean or the average answers of the respondents that
can answer the statement of the problem.

The study was made to determine the number of learners wearing school uniform
in Polomolok National High School and their level of awareness on the importance of it.
The respondents were the fifty (50) Senior High School of Polomolok National High
School.
The researcher concludes that wearing school uniform is a big help for the
learners especially in terms of safetiness and wearing school uniform reflects the
attitude of the learners. The researcher also concludes that there is no significant
relationship on the number of learners wearing school uniform and the learners’ level of
awareness on the importance of wearing school uniform.
 Chapter I
THE BROBLEM

The practice of having school uniform has been adopted by other countries, and
is now common in many parts of the world. Uniforms can be regarded as promoting
social equality among students and school-pride, but the practice has also been
criticised for promoting a form of uniformity characteristic of militarism. The decision as
to whether to implement school uniform policy or not is a controversial one and also
polarised in societies and countries. In countries such as the United Kingdom, South
Africa and a number of Asian nations, school children have to wear approved school
uniforms that conform to the uniform policy of their respective school. In modern
Europe, Britain and Ireland stand out as the only countries where school uniform is
widely adopted by state schools and generally supported by national and local
governments although there is no legislation governing school uniform in England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are some independent schools and state
schools that do not have a school uniform policy and that pupils are at liberty to dress in
a way considered to be appropriate by themselves and their parents or guardians.
( Brunsma, D (2013))
  In the Philippines, the proposal of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte to remove
the mandatory requirement for public school students to wear school uniforms is already
an existing policy of the Department of Education (DepEd). Former president Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo instructed then education secretary Jesli Lapus in 2008 to issue two
department orders that removed the mandatory requirement for school uniforms in all
public elementary and high schools. “To increase school participation of all school-aged
children, it is important to remove any and all obstacles, particularly financial, to their
enrolment in public schools,” DepEd Order No. 45, Series 2008 read. “The wearing of a
school uniform shall not be required in public schools… Students with existing uniforms
may continue using these uniforms, if they so desire, in order to avoid incurring
additional costs for new attire,” it added. (Mateo J. (2016))

In Polomolok National High School, the school administration did not require the
learners to wear school uniform because of the DepEd Order No. 45 s. 2008. But, if the
uniform of the learners are still available, then, the learners could wear their uniform.
The school encourage the learners to wear uniform to be more safe inside and outside
of the campus.
 Researcher Questions

Therefore, the general objective of the study was to know the number of learners
wearing school uniform and ID in Polomolok National High School and the learners’
level of awareness on the importance of wearing uniform and ID on their safety

The research aims to find the answer to the following questions:

1) How many percentage of senior high school of Polomolok National High

School wearing their uniform and ID?

2) What is the learners’ level of awareness on the importance of wearing uniform

and identification card (ID)?

3) Is there a significant relationship between the number of learners’ wearing

uniform and ID and their level of awareness on the importance regarding their
safety?

Hypothesis

The researcher’s hypothesis is the Null Hypothesis (H 0): There is a no significant

relationship between the number of learners’ wearing uniform and ID and their level of
awareness on the importance regarding their safety.

There is one research that supports the researcher’s hypothesis, University of

Missouri assistant professor; David Brunsma reached a different conclusion.
Brunsma reviewed past studies on the effect of uniforms on academic performance.
He also conducted his own analysis of two enormous databases, the 1988 National
Educational Longitudinal Study and the 1998 Early Childhood Longitudinal Study.
Brunsma concluded that there is no positive correlation between uniforms
and  school safety  or academic achievement. (Brunsma, 2004)

Definition of Terms

Awareness. It is the consciousness and how vigilant the learners’ is.

Correlation. It is the relationship or the connectedness of two variables in this study.

Importance. It is significance and the learners’ should know.

Identification Card. It is necessary for everyone, the card in which there is some
important details about our identity

Learners. It is the children who go to the school in order to learn.

Percentage. It is the mean result of the answers of the learners.

Safety. It is the security of the person on the particular place.

Uniform. It is the dress code of the particular institution.

Significance of the Study

The significance of this research is for the school administration, parents, and
learners and to the other researcher to have awareness on the importance of wearing
school uniform.
 Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The review of related literature of every statement of the problem was came from
books, magazines and other article in the internet to find an information which is related
to the researcher’s statement of the problem.

According to Claudene Wharton (2013), At Sparks Middle School, discipline and

school police records were also studied. Compared to the year prior, discipline referrals
were reduced by about 10 percent the first year the uniform policy was implemented.
Additionally, school police data showed a 63 percent reduction in police log reports
during the first year of implementation. Other decreases were noted in reports of gang-
related activities and student fights, along with graffiti, property damage, battery and
administrative assists. Some people believe that a school uniform can improve
learning by reducing distraction, sharpening focus on schoolwork and making the
classroom a more serious environment, allowing students to perform better
academically.Perhaps most importantly, a uniform means students don't have to worry
about peer pressure when it comes to their clothes. When everyone is dressed the
same, worrying about what you look like isn't so important. There is no competition
about being dressed in the latest trend, which would put a great deal of financial
pressure on students and parents. Potential bullies have one less target for their insults;
it's hard to make fun of what someone is wearing when you're dressed exactly the
same.

School uniforms are not mandatory while identification cards (IDs) are free of
charge to all public school students nationwide, the Department of Education (DepEd)
said after classes in public schools resumed last week. DepEd reminded the public of
DepEd Order 65 s.2010 or the “General Guidelines on the Opening of Classes,
Including Collection of School Contributions, Enrollment, Student Uniforms and Release
of MOOE”. “Problema ba ang uniporme? Kung hindi kayang magpagawa ay hindi dapat
mag-alala. Hindi required ang uniform sa mga public schools, ayon sa (Problem with
school uniforms? If you cannot afford it, there is nothing to worry about.  School
uniforms are not required in public schools according to …) DepEd Order 65 s.2010,”
the DepEd posted on its official Facebook account. According to the order, the wearing
of a school uniform shall not be required in public schools. Students with existing
uniforms may continue using these uniforms, if they so desire, in order to avoid incurring
additional costs for new attire. The DepEd furthered that the IDs must be given to the
students for free. “Identification cards shall be provided to students at no cost on their
part. The school administration shall fund these from its Maintenance and Other
Operating Expenses,” DepEd added.( Charina Clarisse Echaluce, 2017)

Meanwhile, the movement toward uniforms in public schools has spread to

about a quarter of all elementary schools. Experts say that the number of middle
and high schools with uniforms is about half the number of elementary schools. If
uniforms are intended to curb school violence and improve academics, why are they
not more prevalent in middle and high schools, where these goals are just as
important as in elementary schools? Because, says Brunsma, “It’s desperately
much more difficult to implement uniforms in high schools, and even middle schools,
for student resistance is much, much higher. In fact, most of the litigation resulting
from uniforms has been located at levels of K-12 that are higher than elementary
schools. Of course, this uniform debate is also one regarding whether children have
rights, too!”(Marian Wilde, 2016).

DepEd Order No. 45 Series of 2008 states that public elementary and secondary
school students are not required wearing school uniforms. The order is aimed at
increasing school participation of school-aged children by removing any obstacles to
enrollment particularly those that have something to do with money. (Sasson, Dorit, 2010)

Decades ago, uniforms were mostly worn by students who went to private or
parochial schools. But as public schools nationwide have focused more on improving
standardized test scores and campus safety, a growing number have begun requiring
their students to wear uniforms – typically, a polo shirt of a particular color paired with
navy or khaki pants, skirts or shorts. About 20 percent of public schools in the United
States required uniforms in 2013-14 — up from almost 12 percent in 1999-2000,
according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). (Denise-Marie
Ordway, 2014)

According to figures released in 2014 by the National Center for Education

Statistics, the total number of public schools nationwide requiring students to wear
school uniforms increased from 13% during the 2003-2004 school years to 19% during
the 2011-2012 school year. In 2011-2012, 20% of public elementary schools (K-6)
enforced a uniform policy, while 12% of secondary schools (7-12) and 30% of combined
schools (K-12) required uniforms. A higher proportion of schools located in cities had
mandatory uniforms in 2011-2012 than schools in suburban, town, and rural areas.
Mandatory uniforms were far more prevalent in "high-poverty" schools (in which 76% of
students were eligible for reduced-cost or free lunch programs) than in "low-poverty"
schools. Among the US cities with the highest use of school uniforms in public schools
are Philadelphia (100% of schools), New Orleans (95%), Cleveland (85%), Chicago
(80%), Boston (65%), and Miami (60%). The number of schools with "strict dress codes"
has also increased, from 47% in 2000 to 57% in 2010. (Hughes, E.S.1996

Moreover, according to Lumsden, L. (2001), The first school district in the United
States to require all its K-8 students to wear uniforms was the Long Beach Unified
School District, CA, in Jan. 1994. Later the same year, California Governor Pete Wilson
signed a bill officially allowing schools to implement mandatory uniform policies. In
accordance with the new law, Long Beach parents were given an opt-out provision. The
Long Beach Unified School District announced through a spokesman that gang activity
in the area had provided an impetus for the policy: "Every large city in the U.S. has been
concerned about the gangs. Their clothes really are an unofficial uniform of
intimidation." 

School uniforms are hardly anything new and are unlikely to be eliminated in
public schools. But are school uniforms good for students? Most public schools do not
have such policies in place, but the percentage of schools that do is on the rise
(National Center for Education Statistics). While some argue that school uniforms are
beneficial to a student’s safety and well-being, others argue just as strongly that those
benefits are inaccurate and school uniform policies are actually more harmful than
good. (Thurston, Richards,2016)
 President Clinton repeated his message about uniforms in his weekly radio
address and during a series of media appearances. On the same day, he ordered the
distribution of a school uniform manual to the country's 16,000 school districts. The
manual guided school districts in the legal enforcement of a uniform policy. In July 1998,
President Clinton continued his promotion of school uniforms with a speech at the
annual convention of the American Federation of Teachers, stating that uniforms help
children "feel free" and reduce crime and violence. In response, according to the New
York Times, then-US Senator and former US presidential candidate Phil Gramm
"accused the President of a tendency toward intrusive government." (Jack Cafferty,
2010)

According to the research of Sumter, Kyle, 2016 one argument for students being
required to wear school uniforms is that the requirement can increase student safety
and deter crime. A two-year study in Long Beach, CA found in a two-year study that in
schools for ages kindergarten to eighth grade, student uniforms helped to bring down
the rates of a large number of crimes. Other ways uniforms can make students safer
is gun control. School uniforms make it more difficult to conceal weapons and teachers
are better able to keep track of students on field trips.

In addition, another way that school uniforms can increase student safety is that
they can decrease gang activity. There are several undeniable safety benefits to
requiring students to wear school uniforms. The US Department of Education’s Manual
on School Uniforms says that these policies prevent members of gangs from wearing
colors or insignia specific to their affiliation on school grounds, which encourages a safe
school environment and reduce violent crimes. School uniforms can also help to
reduce peer pressure and bullying, enhancing the learning experience again. When
students have to dress alike, competition over clothing choices is no longer an issue.
(Sumter, Kyle 2016

Uniforms policies often do not address children who identify as such and
therefore can ostracize certain students. While some studies report that school uniforms
make the school environment safer, other research finds contradictory information. In
1999, one study found that discipline problems rose by twelve percent after students
were made to wear uniforms while another study was done in 2007 by Texas Southern
University that “school uniforms increased the average number of assaults by about 14
[per year] in the most violent schools” Other studies reported more alarming changes;
the Miami-Dade Country Public Schools Office of Education Evaluation and
Management found that fights nearly doubled within a year when middle schools
instituted mandatory uniforms the great benefits of uniforms on student safety that some
studies report are definitely not supported by all such research. (DeMitchell, T.A, 2016)

Moreover, to measure the relationship of school uniform policy to school safety,

statistics from middle school students in southern Florida were collected to evaluate
disciplinary infractions including absenteeism, detentions, suspensions, expulsion, and
arrests. Results showed that discipline infractions of out-of-school suspensions and
juvenile referrals had a statistically significant improvement at p < .05. The research
objectives of disciplinary infractions for elementary school students in both rural and
urban school districts did not indicate decreases for truancy or in-school suspensions.
Middle school students did not have a significant decrease for discipline infractions
(Shamburger, 1999).

However, Brunsma and Rockquemore (1998) asserted, “If uniforms are

considered to facilitate the social control of student behavior, then one may expect that
students in uniform will display behaviors consistent with the institutional goals of the
school.” Institutional goals include decreased behavior problems, increased attendance,
and increased academic achievement. The influence of wearing school uniforms was
documented by Brunsma and Rockquemore (1998). They reported that school uniforms
affect the safety of students, increase learning, promote better attitudes in school, and
decrease behavior problems. Supporters agree that uniforms are a visible sign that
schools expect students to demonstrate good behavior and follow rules. School officials
and parents said that, as they had hoped, the dress code had already reduced the
preoccupation of students with expensive designer clothing for school wear and eased
the financial burden that placed on the students’ families.

Additionally, along with the positive findings of Brunsma and Rockquemore

(1998), other possible influences of school uniforms included decreased violence,
decreased theft of expensive clothing items, prevention of gang-wearing colors and
insignias, resistance to peer pressure, improved concentration on school work, and
visibility of intruders on school grounds. Cultural and economic differences are erased
and students develop an enhanced self-concept and good academic performances
(Chaika, 1999).

Also, According to Lumsden & Miller, 2002, over the last three decades, the
interest in wearing school uniforms as an initiative to improve student behavior and
attitude has been under debate. Although school uniforms were used predominately in
the private school sector, public schools have begun to investigate the idea of policy
changes to require school uniforms. School safety has been a concern in numerous
districts and this concern has initiated school uniforms as a dress code policy.

The perception is that school uniforms can change the behavior of students and
reduce several of the school-related problems that principals and teachers must
address. Bill Clinton mentioned the idea of school uniforms as a possible cure for school
violence in his 1996 State of the Union Address (The Federal Government, 1996).

Proponents of school uniforms argue that there is a decrease in gang activity and
fights, it is easier to distinguish between students and strangers on campus, there is an
increase in student learning and attitudes, there is an increase in school pride, it will
show high levels of preparedness, it helps to conform to school goals, it will decrease
poor student behavior, it increases school attendance, decreases suspensions,
decreases substance abuse, increases self-esteem and makse students feel a part of a
larger whole. In light of recent school shootings, keeping weapons out of our schools is
a major concern. One of the best advantages of a school uniform is that it helps prevent
just that. Without proper security measures in place, a student could very easily bring
weapons into the school hidden beneath baggy clothing. A uniform policy would help to
prevent this. While school uniforms obviously have their advantages in regards to
school security & safety, they do not solve all of the issues. If the uniform policy is not
strict enough, there will still be students with expensive uniforms and those who cannot
afford to achieve that level of status. Gang members will also find new ways to identify
themselves. (Brunsma & Rockquemore, 1998).
 In reviewing the literature concerning the implementation of school uniforms,
there has been no conclusive evidence confirming that uniforms are solely responsible
for a decrease in violence and behavioral problems within a school, but they do play an
instrumental role in creating an environment that is conducive to learning. Meanwhile,
the movement toward uniforms in public schools has spread to about a quarter of all
elementary schools. Experts say that the number of middle and high schools with
uniforms is about half the number of elementary schools. If uniforms are intended to
curb school violence and improve academics, why are they not more prevalent in
middle and high schools, where these goals are just as important as in elementary
schools? Because, says Brunsma, “It’s desperately much more difficult to implement
uniforms in high schools, and even middle schools, for student resistance is much,
much higher. In fact, most of the litigation resulting from uniforms has been located
at levels of K-12 that are higher than elementary schools. Of course, this uniform
debate is also one regarding whether children have rights, too!” (Konheim-Kalkstein,
Y, 2016)

Moreover, according to, Kelly, 2000. Learning cannot take place without some
sense of decorum and discipline. Uniforms need to be treated as a part of an overall
safety program in that uniforms themselves cannot solve all the problems of school
discipline, but they can be one positive contributing factor to discipline and safety.
Implementing a school uniform will also bring new issues to the table. A typical
complaint is that the school uniform prevents the students from self-expression, which is
a rather weak argument. Most adults should agree that learning how to obey a dress
code is something students should be taught before they venture out into the world.
Many jobs require a company uniform or some form of dress code while on the job . A
bulletin published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals stated
that "When all students are wearing the same outfit, they are less concerned about how
they look and how they fit in with their peers; thus, they can concentrate on their
schoolwork.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of
public schools implementing a school uniform has been on the rise over the last 10
years. In 2000, 12 percent of public schools required a uniform. In 2010, 19 percent of
school principals reported that they had adopted a uniform for their students. School
uniforms are considered by the NCES to be an “indicator of school crime and safety,”
and safety is a primary advantage of school uniforms. Uniforms alone cannot solve all of
our concerns but they can be a very positive element to safety and discipline. However,
a uniform policy comes with its disadvantages and over the years there have been
numerous controversies regarding their use

University of Missouri assistant professor, David Brunsma reached a different

conclusion. In his 2004 book, The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us
About American Education: A Symbolic Crusade, Brunsma reviewed past studies on
the effect of uniforms on academic performance. He also conducted his own
analysis of two enormous databases, the 1988 National Educational Longitudinal
Study and the 1998 Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. Brunsma concluded that
there is no positive correlation between uniforms and school safety or academic
achievement.
 A school uniform teaches students to dress smartly and take pride in their
appearance. Howlette says: "Uniforms help students to prepare for when they leave
school and may have to dress smartly or wear a uniform." Some people believe that a
school uniform can improve learning by reducing distraction, sharpening focus on
schoolwork and making the classroom a more serious environment, allowing students to
perform better academically. Uniforms show that you are part of an organisation.
Wearing it says we're all in this together Also, if you wear your uniform with pride, it
means you are half way there to being respectful, buying into what the organisation is
all about.

Perhaps most importantly, a uniform means students don't have to worry about
peer pressure when it comes to their clothes. When everyone is dressed the same,
worrying about what you look like isn't so important. There is no competition about being
dressed in the latest trend, which would put a great deal of financial pressure on
students and parents. Potential bullies have one less target for their insults; it's hard to
make fun of what someone is wearing when you're dressed exactly the same.

Meanwhile, the movement toward uniforms in public schools has spread to

about a quarter of all elementary schools. Experts say that the number of middle
and high schools with uniforms is about half the number of elementary schools. If
uniforms are intended to curb school violence and improve academics, why are they
not more prevalent in middle and high schools, where these goals are just as
important as in elementary schools? Because, says Brunsma, “It’s desperately
much more difficult to implement uniforms in high schools, and even middle schools,
for student resistance is much, much higher. In fact, most of the litigation resulting
from uniforms has been located at levels of K-12 that are higher than elementary
schools. Of course, this uniform debate is also one regarding whether children have
rights, too!”(Marian Wilde  , 2016)

According to Lumsden & Miller, 2002, School safety refers to and includes the
critical and necessary environment in which effective teaching and learning takes places
School safety has been a concern in numerous districts and this concern has initiated
school uniform policies.

School uniforms promote students’ loyalty and reduce student’s tendency to be

violent. Without school uniform, students may form gangs and identify their group with
same color clothes. Gang members would then victimize wealthy students. This
violence can be prevented if all students identify themselves as one by wearing the
same school uniform. (Chavez, M. (2015))

Additional, According to Chavez, M. (2015) Here are the reasons why wearing of school
uniforms are important for students: 1.) School uniforms are made compulsory for all
students since it help lessen social conflicts within the school. This is so as not all
students can keep up with the latest trends in fashion. So, if you don’t belong in the
group when it comes to fashion, you often become the subject of ridicule and mockery
obviously because other students see you as an outcast who doesn’t fit in. If you are in
this situation, it can badly affect your self-esteem and can give rise to many insecurities.
But with school uniform, incidents like this can be prevented. 2.) School uniforms
promote students’ loyalty and reduces students tendency to be violent. Without school
uniform, students may form gangs and identify their group with same color clothes.
Gang members would then victimize wealthy students. This violence can be prevented
if all students identify themselves as one by wearing the same school uniform. With
school uniform, students will have a sense of oneness and it will likewise enhance
school loyalty. Wearing of school uniform is really important for it gives students the
feeling that they all belong in one community. 3.) School uniforms lessen students
clothing expenses for their day to day use. It is also beneficial for parents for it enables
them to save extra cash. Just one time spending for school uniforms and that’s it.
Whereas, if parents have to spend for latest fashion clothes for their children’s day to
day attire in school,  it can cost them a lot of money. 4.) School uniform promotes
effective learning for all students. Students’ concentration will be focused more on their
education rather than their wardrobes.  If students are allowed to wear civilian clothes,
they will be more eager, concerned and excited on what clothes to wear to make them
stand out at school. This will also distract their learning process for their minds will be
occupied with the thought of whether their opposite sex will admire the way they dress
up. Thus, school uniform is important for it creates an effective learning atmosphere. 5.)
Wearing of school uniforms also prepare students for their future career. If they get
employed in big companies, naturally they have to wear corporate and formal attires.
With this, it will be easy for them to adjust since they are used to wear formal uniforms
when they were in school.

There are schools all over the world, and many of these schools face the same
problems as other schools. One public issue revolving around schools are the concerns
on the dress code. Public schools have a choice to let students dress as they want or
they can be provided with school uniforms. As of 2009, 21 states encounter the rule of
having to wear school wearing uniforms. Many movies and television shows, show girls
and boys that it is okay to wear inappropriate clothing. Most of the time these outfits are
not always appropriate and should not be acceptable in school. Mainly girls, should
show respect for themselves and their bodies and wear appropriate clothing to school.
Another issue that can be solved by wearing school uniforms it that some kids in school
don’t have enough money to by nice clothing and many kids choose to make fun of
them. Children do not have power of what their parents and families provide for them,
so to make fun of someone for the way they look is a very cruel thing to do. Everyone
has their own personality and they have the ability to act as they choose. In some cases
many kids will be made fun of what they look like and for their “weird” clothing. When
bullying gets so horrific it usually leads to violence! Actions always speak louder than
words and sometimes beating someone up is their way of telling them to stop picking on
them. Many schools that have adapted to uniforms have seen the violence go down.
Which I think is a very important concept, because kids don’t want to go to a school
where they can’t be safe. (Coventry, T. (2008))

Another way that school uniforms can increase student safety is that they can decrease
gang activity. There are several undeniable safety benefits to requiring students to wear
school uniforms. The US Department of Education’s Manual on School Uniforms says
that these policies prevent members of gangs from wearing colors or insignia specific to
their affiliation on school grounds, which encourages a safe school environment
and reduce violent crimes. Almost half of U.S. high schools report gang activity and
schools with uniform policies have reported an almost 50% drop in gang activity when
students began wearing uniforms. The safety benefits that uniforms have on a school’s
environment are undeniable. Another common argument in favor of school uniforms is
that they keep students’ attention on what they are learning rather than what they and
their peers are wearing. When everyone is wearing the same thing, students are less
distracted by their outfits and how they compare to their peers in terms of their wardrobe
and are free to focus on learning. Studies have found that school uniforms can increase
test score. While running for president in 2008, candidate Hillary Clinton advocated for
uniforms in school. This is particularly helpful for students who might not have the
easiest home lives. Troubled students benefit from this because they are able to find a
sense of community and support that they might not find elsewhere. Research
conducted in 2007 found that teachers perceived higher levels of self-confidence among
their students when they wore uniforms because it gave them the sense of being part of
a team, as well as, “an increased level of respect, caring, and trust.”  (Bell, B.D. (2012))

According to Gillin, Josua (2015), Implementing a school uniform will also bring
new issues to the table. A typical complaint is that the school uniform prevents the
students from self-expression, which is a rather weak argument. Most adults should
agree that learning how to obey a dress code is something students should be taught
before they venture out into the world. Many jobs require a company uniform or some
form of dress code while on the job. However, controversy is always a possibility and
one that might not always be in favor of the school. In 1969, Tinker v. Des Moines
Independent Community School District, was the first case regarding dress code that
went to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled in the students’ favor and emphasized
students’ rights to free speech, stating that “A prohibition against expression of opinion,
without any evidence that the rule is necessary to avoid substantial interference with
school discipline or the rights of others, is not permissible under the First and
Fourteenth Amendments.” To help diminish controversy, your schools uniform policy
should be well planned before implementation.
Conceptual Framework

This concept shows the relationship of the independent and dependent

variable and shows the summary of this research. The independent variable of this
research is the learner’s level of awareness on the importance of wearing school
uniform to their safety. The dependent variable of this research is the number of
learners’ wearing school uniform in Polomolok National High School.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

The Learners’ Level of The Number of Learners’

Awareness on the Wearing School Uniform in
Importance of Wearing Polomolok National High
School Uniform to School.

Figure 1: The Conceptual Framework of the Study

 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter aims to inform the readers to understand the methods that the
researchers’ used.

Research Design
This study utilized survey correlational quantitative research in non-experimental
quantitative research design, in determining the relationship between the number of the
learners wearing the school uniform and the learner’s level of awareness on the
importance of it to their safety.

Locale of the Study

This study will be conducted at Polomolok National High School Senior High
School building. Polomolok National High School is located at Barangay Cannery Site,
Polomolok South Cotabato. It is approximately 3.5 kilometers away from the heart of
Municipality of Polomolok. It has an area of 2 hectares. The operation of the school
started in 1982-1982. The school is fortunate and blessed that it is located in a
Barangay where the multimillion company is operating, the Dole Philippines,
Incorporated, Barangay Cannery Site.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were the 50 Senior High School in academic and
technical vocational track student of Polomolok National High School.

Sampling
The sampling technique of this research is probability sampling used by the
researcher, thus, the researcher chose a random selection equal the opportunity to no
biased or in accurate balance.

Data Gathering Procedure

In data gathering procedure, the researcher research first a review of related
literature about the chosen topic of the researcher. Then, the researcher provided a
self-administered survey questionnaire. The researcher gave the questionnaire and
collected after the respondents answer the questions on the questionnaire. After
gathering the questionnaire from the respondents, the researcher encoded the answers
to answer every statement of the problem.

Instrument
The instrument used by researcher was the self-made questionnaire made by the
researcher. The statements inside the questionnaire are made from the review of
related literature of the research. The questionnaire consist of 8 statements that can
answer the statement of the problem of the researcher. The statements are checked
and verified by the expert to secured validity on this research.
Statistical Treatment
r n ∑ x y−∑ x ∑ y
xy= ¿
√¿¿ ¿¿

Chapter IV
Results and Discussion
 Graph 1.1 Number of Learners does have and doesn’t have School Uniform

8
Have School Uniform
Don't Have School Uniform
42

The graph 1.1 shows the number of learners does have school uniform. It shows that
there were 42 or 84% of the respondents does have a school uniform while there are 8
or 16% of the respondents do not have school uniform

Graph 1.2 Gender of learners do have school uniform

Female Male

13

29

The graph 1.2 shows the gender of the learners does have school uniform. The graph
shows that there were 29 or 69% of the respondents from the female does have school
uniform while there were 13 or 31% of the respondents from the male does have school
uniform.

Graph 1.3 Gender of learners doesn’t have school uniform

 1 Female Male

Graph 1.3 shows the gender of learners doesn’t have school uniform. The graph shows
that 1 or 13% of the respondents from the female doesn’t have school uniform while 7
or 87% of the respondents from the male doesn’t have school uniform.

Graph 2.1 Number of learners wearing and not wearing school uniform

wearing school uniform

Not wearing school uniform
13

37

Graph 2.1 shows the number of learners wearing and not wearing school uniform. The
graph shows that there were 37 or 74% of the respondents wearing school uniform
while there are 13 or 26% of the respondents are not wearing school uniform.
 Graph 2.2 Gender of learners wearing school uniform

Female Male
10

27

Graph 2.2 shows the gender of learners wearing school uniform. The graph shows that
there were 27 or 73% of the respondents wearing school uniform while there were 10 or
27% of the respondents are not wearing school uniform.

Graph 2.3 Gender of learners not wearing school uniform

Female Male
3

10

Graph 2.3 shows the gender of learners not wearing school uniform. The graph shows
that there were 3 or 23% of the respondents from the female are not wearing school
uniform while there were 10 or 77% of the respondents from the male are not wearing
school uniform.
 Table 1 Level of Awareness on the Importance of Wearing School Uniform.

Statements Rating Description

1. Wearing school uniform helps 4.7 Highly Aware

in identifying those who are not
belong to the campus.
2. I could boost my confidence by 4.2 Slightly Aware
wearing my school uniform.
3. Violence and discrimination 4.1 Slightly Aware
will reduce by wearing school
uniform.
4. Wearing school uniform helps 4.1 Slightly Aware
me to be look like more
respectful.
5. Wearing school uniform could 4 Slightly Aware
affect my attitude.
6. Wearing school uniform could 3.8 Slightly Aware
reduce peer pressure when it
comes to the clothes.
7. Wearing school uniform 3.7 Slightly Aware
reflects my personality.
8. Wearing school uniform 3.9 Slightly Aware
teaches me to dress smartly
and take pride to my
appearance.
9. School uniform is a part of 3.9 Slightly Aware
overall safety program of my
school.
10. Deped order No. 65 s. 2010 3.7 Slightly Aware
states that school uniform shall
not be required in the public
schools.
Mean 4.01 Slightly Aware

The Table 1 above shows that the level of awareness on the importance of
wearing school uniform is 4.01 with adjectival rating of slightly aware.

Further, it also shows that many learners are aware on the importance of wearing
school uniform especially in terms of safetiness, attitude and to prevent the
discrimination towards learners.
 Chapter V
Conclusions and
Recommendations

Conclusions

The researcher concludes that wearing school uniform is a big help for the
learners especially in terms of safetiness and wearing school uniform reflects the
attitude of the learners. The researcher also concludes that there is no significant
relationship on the number of learners wearing school uniform and the learners’ level of
awareness on the importance of wearing school uniform

Recommendations

To the School Administrator. The researcher recommends that even if the

school uniform didn’t require in any public schools, instead the school administration
should encourage the learners to wear a uniform.

To the Parents. The researcher recommends that guiding their children in

wearing school uniform is a big help to the learners in terms of their safety.

To the Learners. The researcher recommends that if the learners still have a
school uniform, the researcher encourage the learners to wear their uniform, because
that is for their own good.

To the Other Researcher. The researcher recommends for the further research
about the attitude of the learners towards school uniform.
References

Charina Clarisse Echaluce 2017.

Improving the School Environment to Reduce School Violence: A Review of the
Literature. Journal of School Health 79 (10): 451-65.

Chavez, M (2015) Reasons why wearing of school uniforms are important for students.
Quezon City: Mark Bookstore Publishing House.

Coventry, T.W. (2008) “The Importance of School Uniform”, Retrieved from

http://www.teenink.com/opinion/school_college/article/309720/The-Importance
of-School-Uniforms.

Bircham Dyson Bell (5 July 2012). "School uniform policies and the Equality Act
2010". Lexology. Globe Business Publishing. Retrieved 9 November 2015.

Brunsma, D. L. (2006). School uniforms policies in public schools. Principal, 85,

50-53.

Brunsma, D.L., & Rockquemore, K.A. (1998). Effects of student uniforms on

attendance, behavior problems, substance abuse, and academic achievement.
Journal of Educational Research, 92, 53-62.

Brunsma, D.L.(2013) "A Brief History of School Uniforms and Dress Codes".  THE
SCHOOL UNIFORM MOVEMENT and What It Tells about AMERICAN
EDUCATION. pp. 3 ff.

DeMitchell, T.A., Fossey, R., & Cobb, C. (2016). Dress codes in public schools:
Principals, policies, and precepts. Journal of Law and Education, 29 (1), 31-49.

Gellin, J. (2015) “School uniforms improve school safety and truancy. Retrieved from
http://www.ossi-usa.com/are-uniforms-good-for-school-security-safety/

Hughes, E.S. (1996). Effects of mandated school uniforms on student attendance,

discipline, referrals, and classroom environment. Unpublished Doctoral
Dissertation, University of Houston.
Kelly, Bridget Turner and Alina Torres. 2006.
Campus Safety: Perceptions and Experiences of Women Students. Journal of
College Student Development 47 (1): 20-35.
Konheim-Kalkstein, Y. L. (2006). A uniform look. When students dress alike,
proponents say, the school climate may be improved. American School Board
Journal, 25-27.
Lumsden, L. (2001). Uniforms and dress-code policies. (ERIC Document Reproduction
Service No. ED 454 568).

Marian Wilde, 2016, what research says about school uniforms?

About.com. "School Uniforms: Safety in Schools and Uniforms." About.com.
About.com, 2016 Web. 21 Jan. 2016. 
Mateo, J. (May 19, 2016 ) “Duterte’s ‘no school uniform’ proposal an existing DepEd
policy”. The Philippine Star. Pp. 7-10

Sasson, Dorit. "Children's School Uniforms." Suite101.com. Suite101, 2007. Web. 3

Feb. 2010. Retrieved from
http://newteachersupport.suite101.com/article.cfm/childrens_school_uniforms 
 Appendix A
Instrument

Code Name:________________ Gender: Male Female

Directions: Read the questions below and check (/) the box that corresponds your
answer. Please answer HONESTLY.

SOP1: The percentage of senior high school students of Polomolok National High
1. Wearing school uniform helps in School wearing
identifying those who are not their school
belong to the campus.
uniform.
2. I could boost my confidence by Q1Do you
wearing my school uniform.
have school
3. Violence and discrimination will uniform?
reduce by wearing school
uniform. Q2
4. Wearing school uniform helps me Are you wearing
to be look like more respectful. school Uniform?
Statements
5. Wearing school uniform could 5 4 3 2 1 Yes
affect my attitude. No
6. Wearing school uniform could Scale
reduce peer pressure when it 5 Highly Aware
comes to the clothes. 4 Aware
3 Undecided
7. Wearing school uniform reflects 2 Low Aware
my personality. 1 Not Aware

8. Wearing school uniform teaches

me to dress smartly and take Yes
pride to my appearance. No
9. School uniform is a part of overall
safety program of my school. SOP2: The
10. Deped order No. 65 s. 2010 learners’ level of
states that school uniform shall awareness on the
not be required in the public
schools.
importance of
wearing school
uniform.