Claims that in school reform debates, the condition of facilities that will house the restructured schools is rarely discussed. Focuses on the school facility crisis, ways in which inadequate buildings affect schooling, planning strategies, the consequences of the facility/infrastructure crisis, and the cost of saving America's schools. (RJM)

Describes the challenge that Illinois faces in trying to bring its older schools up to date. Discusses the debate over replacement versus renovation, enrollment and projected rises in this rate, the need to accommodate advanced technology programs, and the billions of dollars it will take to render these structures suitable for instruction. (RJM)

Provides a process model for developing educational specifications--precise statements of activities, curriculum, and functions that a proposed school building will house--and highlights specific requirements and features. A graph and a relationship matrix illustrate the process. Includes 12 references. (MLF)

Discusses the impact that new technologies are already having on programs and facilities, as well as predictions for the future. Discusses selected educational and facility technologies and the ways in which buildings and different kinds of classrooms can be made user-friendly. (Seven references) (LMI)

Evaluating educational facilities requires utilizing an effective assessment process. The five key components of space adequacy are scheduling efficiency, design efficiency, technical capacity, practical capacity, site capacity, and suitability. Assessment of the physical adequacy of school building should explore the following areas:…