States have made dramatic progress in the past few years in implementing longitudinal data systems (LDS) to improve student achievement. These systems collect and house student educational data that make it easy for policymakers and practitioners to access and use it for reporting, policymaking and decision making. So much has happened in states…

The paper describes the development of a computer table for physically handicapped students including persons with moderate to severe cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, uncontrolled epilepsy, and paralysis due to physical trauma. The project first reviewed furniture currently available for the physically handicapped and then conducted ergonomic…

The same form of lighting will not be effective in all areas of a school facility. Factors to be considered include physical and psychological effects, visual requirements, and cost. A chart illustrates type of lamp, output/energy ratio, light "quality," and applications. (MLF)

This instructional resource provides teachers with ideas for teaching technology and incorporating it into other areas of the curriculum. The book includes 24 work units that can be adapted for use by any elementary grade. These units allow students to translate their ideas into practice by designing, making, and testing. The information and…

This checklist is designed to provide librarians, architects, and other members of a building design team with a list of questions to ask during the design phase of a new or remodeled library building project. The purpose of the questions is to make sure that no element of the building is overlooked by the building design team in their programming…

Factors in the physical arrangement of special education classrooms that may lead to greater instructional control and structure include teacher proximity and view, separation of space, and reduction of extraneous stimuli. The issue of making classrooms more relaxed and home-like versus structuring them like regular classes to prepare students for…

Designing and remodeling educational facilities are becoming more complex with options that include computer-based collaboration, classrooms with multimedia podiums, conference centers, and workplaces with desktop communication systems. This book provides a collection of articles that address educational facility design categorized in the…

This document presents prototypical educational specifications to guide the building and renovation of Idaho vocational schools so they can help communities meet the advanced, professional-technical programs of the future. The specifications start with points to consider when determining school site suitability. The document then sets forth…

This planning guide focuses on the fundamental requirements for planning and designing school music suites. The guide provides brief explanations of critical factors affecting music suites so that music directors and other stakeholders can more quickly and clearly communicate music area fundamentals to architects and administrators. Topics cover…

This publication provides suggestions and considerations that may be useful for school jurisdictions developing facilities for computers in schools. An interim report for both use and review, it is intended to assist school system planners in clarifying the specifications needed by the architects, other design consultants, and purchasers involved.…

This description of an ideal school computer laboratory focuses on physical characteristics and includes guidelines for floors, walls, ceilings, doors, wiring, seating configurations, and furniture. (LRW)

Offers reasons and guidelines for classroom exercises in creating black and white posters for introductory courses in graphics, design, production, or layout. (RL)

This document presents the process of radon diagnostics and mitigation in schools to help educators determine the best way to reduce elevated radon levels found in a school. The guidebook is designed to guide school leaders through the process of measuring radon levels, selecting the best mitigation strategy, and directing the efforts of a…

Presents guidelines relative to audiovisual specifications for school classrooms, lecture halls, and auditoriums, to serve as a checklist for preliminary planning for facilities' construction or remodeling. Specifications are included for lights and lighting; electrical wiring; conduit; projection screens, booth, and stations; display boards; and…

This essay focuses on the impact of a bibliographic instruction (BI) program (primarily course-integrated instruction) on the design of an academic library building. Instruction areas, design of the reference area and reference desk, working space, and accommodating BI to the new technology are highlighted. (EJS)