The Caldwell School Board did the right thing Monday when it voted to extend the school district’s dress code to Caldwell High School. That code is already in practice in the district’s elementary and middle schools. Teachers and administrators like it and have noticed an improvement in behavior. We’re not talking school uniforms here; rather the requirement that students wear collared, solid-colored shirts and dark-colored pants. They will no longer be allowed to wear dresses, clothing with large logos and jeans with holes or decorative stitching. Red and navy shirts will also be outlawed, as they are associated with gangs. Multiple studies have shown a distinctive improvement in student behavior and academic achievement after schools implement dress codes or uniforms. Simply put, they eliminate a major distraction from the classroom setting/Idaho Press Tribune (Nampa). More here.

Question: Should school districts in North Idaho consider stricter dress codes, too?

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