Contrary to popular belief, school uniforms play a more important role in education than one might think. Studies have shown that school uniforms promote greater concentration and increase student motivation in their schoolwork. Just like a businessman puts on a suit to attend an important meeting, some students take their school projects and assignments more seriously when they put on their uniform. Although individuality is an important thing, many people are constantly ridiculed not because of personality traits, but because of the design on their t-shirt, the hat they found the courage to wear, or the mark on their jeans. Uniforms eliminate this judgment in school that occurs in many parts of the country. If public schools implemented mandatory school uniforms, could there be more unity among students? Would the quality of education be more of a priority in the lives of students? It is no coincidence that schools requiring uniforms report consistently higher student grades than those that do not require uniforms. While it may seem counterintuitive that something as materialistic as clothing could affect students' focus on their studies, reports shockingly prove that this is the case. Currently, one in four public elementary schools and one in eight public middle and high schools have school uniform policies. Among these schools, the U.S. Department of Education has conducted several studies on overall student behavior. The percentage of students leaving classes without permission fell by about 47 percent, in-school suspensions by 90 percent, and the overall school crime rate dropped dramatically by 91 percent. The proof is in the pudding; clearly, uniforms provide students with a more focused school day. Some of ...... middle of paper ...... children » Livestrong.org January 14, 2013. Part I: Northwest Florida Daily News; Part II: Kent J. Fetzer. “School uniforms stifle free speech.” Opposing viewpoints: school policies. Ed. Jamuna Carroll. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale of wind. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - AZ. April 30, 2014. “School Uniform Statistics” Statistic Brain, United States Department of Education, NCES, ECS, NAESP, University of Florida January 1, 2014 < http://www.statisticbrain.com/school-uniform-statistics/>