In school design evaluation, the facility meets the following criteria: (1) is an integral part of the community; (2) creates a behavioral setting for learning; (3) fosters communication; (4) enhances the opportunity for teachers to function as professionals; (5) accommodates students' learning styles; and (6) is adaptable to the user's needs.…

One way to make the most of existing facilities and limited resources is an assessment of program usage in addition to facilities usage. Cites a comprehensive facility and programming inventory for the Boston Public Schools that produced very detailed, high quality data for facilities and programs. (MLF)

A New Jersey high school district built four prototype classrooms to measure the impact of new technology and telecommunication tools on instruction, assess alternative instructional strategies, and determine the training and development needs of the staff. (MLF)

Explains how important it is for educational facilities planners to refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines when designing science classrooms, so every student can have the opportunity to experiment with science firsthand. Addresses how to work with the guidelines, and specific areas of concern. (GR)

Discusses the experiences of one Oklahoma school district's efforts to successfully address the expansion and renovation challenges of its highly diverse school system. Emphasizes the importance of gaining community support. (GR)

Explains the planning involved for converting a school's outdoor spaces into extended science classrooms. Addresses planning the schoolyard environment, arguing that the natural environment should be considered early in the planning phase; stakeholder cooperation; and adapting to changes that can affect the investment being made. Helpful Web sites…

Discusses the APPA's research efforts to help its members assume a more effective leadership role in higher education. Presents a sampling of topics developed by the APPA research group for evaluation, and discusses solutions in this effort. (GR)

Presents guidelines for conducting major school renovations and additions. Four areas of inquiry facility planners need to address are discussed as are some basic planning principles that have been shown to be successful and features needing special attention. Three renovation projects are highlighted as examples. (GR)

Examines the educational-facility-planning issues for restructuring schools to meet the future demands of students and educational programs. Issues discussed include the educational environment, building access, technology and its effect on the learning environment, specialty areas and ancillary space requirements, and community involvement. (GR)

Describes seven steps to consider when making project-delivery decisions that include defining the school district's goals and profile, selecting the project-delivery system and procurement method, selecting the project team and contract type, and developing and confirming the facility program. Concluding comments address the district review of…

The Bloomington campus of Indiana University, faced with mounting needs for installed technology in classrooms, developed a cost model for classroom renovation and technology installation. The model is applied to existing conditions to develop a 10-year plan that will bring all general-purpose classrooms up-to-date. Five tables illustrate costs…

Describes how the process of constructing a roof-top play space at the West Side Montessori School in New York City yielded lessons about organizing a community for a specific goal, the importance of maintaining relationships with alumni families, and working with architects and builders. (KB)

Discusses how architects and school districts can learn from the past to avoid repeating costly mistakes. Addressed are architectural fees and the importance of not severely reducing time and cost spent in design to help ensure better facility performance later. (GR)

Examines how modular educational facilities can provide a viable alternative in building construction when speed and safety are key construction issues. Explains the durability of modular structures, their adherence to building codes, and the flexibility that they provide in design and appearance. The advantages to permanent modular construction…

Explores the use of a commissioning agent (CA) during school construction projects to ensure that all building systems work together and to specifications. The types of work done by a CA, the cost involved, and the overall benefits derived are outlined. (GR)