Lack of commonly used vocabulary for informal learning environments hinders precise communication concerning what is observed, assessed, and understood about the relationship between space and learning. This study empirically extends taxonomies of terms and phrases that describe such relationships through content analysis of descriptions of…

Lead levels in school drinking water merit special concern because children are more at risk than adults from exposure to lead. This manual provides ways in which school officials can minimize this risk. It assists administrators by providing: (1) general information on the significance of lead in school drinking water and its effects on children;…

This description of the renovation of the youth services department of a public library covers planning, implementation, and such considerations as furniture delivery, utility lines, and publicity. Several recommendations for libraries considering major changes are offered, and one reference is listed. (MES)

Discussed are what constitutes good lighting for a sports field, what are the best lamp and floodlight types, what is involved in maintenance, and how various systems compare. Lighting for fields of various shapes and tennis courts is examined in detail. (MT)

Describes a school-wide project in which elementary students beautified their school walls with murals of their own design. This article is one of four in this issue on elementary school mural projects. (SJL)

Principals, teachers, students, and parents all have dreams for improving their schools, but often they do not have the funding to make their dreams come true. How can schools provide the additional financial support to make their dreams come true? Members of the Broughton High School community in Raleigh, North Carolina, found one answer: create…

The renovation of existing school buildings may not always be the least expensive or the quickest response to facility needs, but it is often the most politically acceptable. To help with school renovations, this text provides detailed guidelines that school systems can use in renovation projects. It offers a step-by-step approach to the planning…

As part of a districtwide construction and renovation program in Everett (Washington) an Art Deco auditorium was refurbished, theater support facilities were expanded into an old gymnasium, and cafeteria space was rebuilt to house studios. (MLF)

New York State Regents directed that new guidelines and "standards" be developed for technology infrastructures in educational facilities in order to assist administrators and educators in planning technology integration during retrofits, renovations, or new construction of educational facilities. This document provides the first draft…

Boston's Jamaica Plain High School is a bright, colorful facility that belies that building's former life as a utilitarian warehouse. (Author)

Action to take if a roof starts to leak. (MLF)

Colleges and universities are finding innovative ways to cut electrical costs while maintaining the needed light and power to fulfill their educational missions. Farsighted planning of energy use is increasing, due in part to government and corporate leadership and support and to the changing vision of college administrators. (Author/MSE)

An assistant professor of education and preschool director implemented a practicum intervention designed to increase the range of child care services provided in a Christian college's preschool laboratory. The primary goal of the intervention was to provide a high quality day care program which met the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of…

This document presents a sample request for proposal that Arizona school districts can use when requesting architectural services, from the general request requirements to response information and signature sheet. General proposal requirements cover such areas as information on special terms and conditions, the scope of architectural services…

This report presents guidelines for establishing the educational rationale for Landscapes for Learners, a school grounds development initiative designed to support the curriculum while protecting children from health risks and providing high quality space in the community for education and recreation. The guidelines link the value of educational…