Explores how research can confirm that customer-driven educational-facilities planning actually works. Describes a matrix format for gauging value scores on a school renovation's importance to a community and on how the community believes the building is performing against that value. (GR)

As serving as its own contractor, a small district in western Montana saved money, had better control over the project, and inspired public confidence. Major advantages were cost savings, controlling the pace of construction, and the ability to cope with change orders. (MLF)

Examines the process of developing a school design, from the curriculum plan to building schematics. General phases discussed include advance preparation, educational specifications development, steering committee feedback, and architectural design review and critique. (GR)

School planning isn't easy. Compromises can inadvertently undermine critical health and safety features. Errors can go undetected until too late, becoming apparent only after the cement is dry. As a school design consultant, the author is often pointing out dysfunctional elements in otherwise fine school buildings. He would much rather catch them…

Currently, in the United States, 75% of school buildings are in need of repair or renovation. The current physical condition of those school buildings and the effect they have on educational achievement has been a major topic of concern among policymakers, community members, parents, taxpayers, and educators. Just to bring the United States'…

Administrators of today's community college are sprucing up facilities with new amenities and services to attract students and cater to their needs. Administrators say competition for students is fierce and that good facilities can make a big difference when students are deciding on which school to attend. While students cite academic quality as…

In the fall of 2006, students could purchase an entry-level notebook computer with a 15-inch LCD for $500. This price crossed an important threshold, moving notebooks into the range of consumer electronics--the category of phenomena that fuels mass consumer trends such as cell phones, digital cameras, and iPods. Most colleges and universities…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

In November 1996, the voters of Montgomery County (Maryland) approved by referendum an amendment to the County Charter that changed the County Council's review and approval cycle of the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) from an annual to biennial cycle. The referendum specified that in odd-numbered fiscal years (on years) the County…

This paper discusses a variety of school safety and security measures that may be implemented at little or no cost and without the use of complex technology. Measures are presented according to these categories: (1) General; (2) Outside the Building; and (3) Inside the Building.

This resource guide offers strategies for working with children having mild to severe brain injuries. Chapter 1 corrects common misunderstandings about brain injuries and gives suggestions and illustrative case examples. Chapter 2 discusses 12 common changes in students with brain injuries such as tiredness, irritability, passivity, depression,…

This document presents tables, graphs, and narrative text that provide information for planning Washington's early intervention programs for infants and toddlers. Data were analyzed on the number and characteristics of infants and toddlers with disabilities and special health problems who were enrolled in Washington State public services at four…

Developed during a project to document and analyze the tech prep initiative in Texas, this handbook contains exemplary documents associated with the model programs in the state. This second edition of the handbook organizes documents in sections (sections A, C, D, and G) that correspond to the major impact sectors identified during the research…

This paper addresses challenges faced by the Montana University System in meeting the educational demands of a new knowledge age. The paper is organized into two sections; the first considers six factors that lay a foundation for four policy issues addressed in the second part. The six issues discussed in Part 1 include: (1) financial…

Many colleges and universities are engaged in new efforts to assess the outcomes they produce. As a first step, these institutions usually examine their mission statement, goals, and objectives. These form the foundation for assessment but they are also fundamental tools for enhancing institutional effectiveness in general. This handbook was…