Charter schools are public schools established under charters, typically with state or local entities. In return for more flexibility and autonomy, charter schools must meet specific accountability standards. This briefing from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) describes: (1) the challenges charter schools face when attempting to…

School site selection is critical since the site can affect the size and shape of the school, which in turn can materially affect the educational program and opportunities for students. This document provides guidance for California school districts to help them select school sites that provide both a safe and supportive environment for the…

The process of awarding the grant for the National Center for Research in Vocational Education, as authorized by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act, began in November 1986 with the announcement of the grant competition and culminated on January 4, 1988, with the University of California at Berkeley being selected for the 5-year grant…

A school construction guide offers key personnel in school development projects information on the complex task of master planning and construction of schools in Australia. This chapter of the guide provides advice on site selection covering selection criteria; traffic issues; and site services, such as water, power, and sewer. Additionally…

Advice from a Kansas board of education president and an architect on how to balance the elements of good design and procedures with political realities when building new school facilities or renovating old ones. (MLF)

There has been some evidence that students who develop projects for science fairs continue their interest in science through high school and beyond. Local and regional fairs generally are slated as a prelude to state science fairs and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Organizing a district science fair requires informed…

The final report describes the Michigan Physicians' Conference on Elder Abuse project. The project conference had four major content areas, including: a general introduction to the problem of elder abuse; clinical symptoms of abuse; legal issues; and referral and case management techniques. Training techniques included lectures, group discussion,…

A long-range facilities plan includes anticipated large expenditures and contingencies. The plan should include an overview of existing facilities, enrollment projections, program changes, and projected capital improvements. A school-planning checklist is provided. (MLF)

Selecting a site for a new school is an important decision for school board members. To avoid site-selection catastrophes, ask for a report about the planning steps. Document estimates of purchase and development costs; and project budget and a timeline for acquisition, design, and construction. Questions that should be answered are listed. (MLF)

This document, in a looseleaf format that allows for the easy addition of annual updates, is a compilation of information to be used in the planning of educational buildings from the conception of needs through occupancy and use. Each unit contains numerous photographs, drawings, and figures that illustrate the contents. Unit subjects are as…

This publication, the result of a review of state school construction regulations, was developed for the purpose of providing an up-to-date guide on current laws, regulations, and the technology of the building profession. It is intended for architects and engineers as well as for school superintendents and boards of trustees, all of whom are…

A school building constructed 10 years ago may not be relevant to what is needed in a new building today. Methodology and curriculum change rapidly, and, as a result, buildings change as do the students attending schools today. The administrators in the school system are responsible for adequately planning a new capital-improvement project and…

A looseleaf format allows for the easy addition of annual updates to this practitioner's handbook for planning educational facilities from the conception of needs through occupancy and use. Each unit contains numerous photographs, drawings, and figures that illustrate the contents. Unit subjects are as follows: historical perspectives; planning…