This brief describes a new method for states to determine how well their charter school facility needs are being met with state policies, both at present and in the future as the number of charter schools increases. The brief also illustrates how this new approach, called a Charter Facility Index, can be used in practice, with three state…

Excel"in"Ed has developed a methodology called the Charter Facility Index by which states can assess whether they are addressing the full facility needs of charter schools. The Charter Facility Index allows states to determine how well charter school facility needs are being met with existing state policies. The index also helps states…

State policymakers can help public charter schools overcome obstacles to their stability, growth and ability to provide high-quality options to students--simply by providing these schools with access to affordable financing to build their own facilities. Ownership is a critical option to address charter school facility needs. Most charter schools…

Buildings consume approximately 40 percent of the energy used in the U.S., and efficiency is widely recognized to be the most effective means for containing demand and reducing use. Institutions of higher education make up a significant proportion of building area and annual energy and facility-related costs in the United States. The national…

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) may not be the only aspect of a green school, but it is one of the most significant. Advanced environmental instrumentation technology now provides school business officials with tools to measure the factors that contribute to their schools' IEQ. These new devices make it possible to identify the toxic or…

In 2008 the Group of Eight (Go8) released a first report on the state of its buildings and infrastructure, based on a survey undertaken in 2007. A further survey was undertaken in 2009, updating some information about the assessed quality, value and condition of buildings and use of space. It also collated data related to aspects of the estate not…

Doors serve a variety of needs and purposes in schools: (1) Exterior doors provide building security and protection from the elements; and (2) Interior doors control the movement of people among school spaces, help control noise and air flow, and act as flame and smoke barriers during a fire. In a lockdown, they serve as safety barriers. From a…

This publication discusses conditions that feed wildfires, how a building catches fire, determining the school's risk, creating a survivable space for the school, the importance of maintenance, the fire-resistant school, meeting code requirements, and related flood and mudslide risks. Much of this publication has been adapted for schools from the…

This report provides factual information on the adequacy in terms of number of schoolrooms in the nation's school facilities and the physical condition of schoolrooms. Data are presented regarding--(1) building and site deficiencies, (2) ratio of pupils to instructional rooms, and (3) new facilities needed to achieve desirable pupil-room ratios. A…

Separate sections of the study present detailed information and analyses of--(1) the educational program, (2) school enrollments, (3) existing school plant, (4) financial resources, and (5) school plant needs. Recommendations are set forth and their financial implications considered. (FS)

Specifications are outlined for elementary school organization and administration, personnel, curriculum, buildings, and grounds. Organization and administration requirements are established in terms of administration assignments, secretarial services, library services, special education aide, custodial services, length of school terms, pupil…

This bibliography of the school plant field which includes text books and periodicals, is organized into sections covering district surveys, enrollments, evaluations, educational planning, room needs and room specifications. Most entries are briefly described. (NI)

A comprehensive analysis is presented of major issues involved in securing effective and economical use of school building resources. It is noted that an effective school building investments policy will succeed in building the right kind of school in the right place at the right time and at the right cost. This volume examines the implications of…

A guide is presented for use by school districts in the formulation of educational specifications for school plant construction projects. Following a discussion of the meaning of educational specifications and a description of their content and format, information is given regarding the organization and procedures for formulating educational…