Defends an earlier argument concerning statistical analysis and its use in influencing educational policy and resource allocation for improving student performance. The original argument states that there is no meaningful relationship between resources and performance: throwing money at schools is not tantamount to improving them. (GLR)

Describes the planning process when choosing the appropriate doors for school entrances. Addresses the importance of door framing, hardware, and closers in helping make the school's hallways quieter. (GR)

Offers 10 tips for renovating or building school washrooms that enhance user satisfaction while making them easier to maintain. Tips cover all aspects of school washroom design and highlights the following elements of effective washroom design development: user input; ease of maintenance; accessibility; and functionality. (GR)

Explains how to upgrade inefficient lighting systems that will dramatically cut energy use and costs while simultaneously improving the learning environment. Offers advice for using outside consultants. (GR)

Discusses the influence of residence halls in supporting a college's admissions and recruiting process for attracting highly qualified students. It explores the trends in student housing needs and how a school can meet those needs, and examines possible funding solutions for dormitory renovations. Recommendations for developing housing strategies…

Discusses how to spot indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in schools and possible actions to take to eliminate them. Highlights the types of pollutants that contribute to IAQ deterioration and the physical symptoms commonly associated with them, and suggests ways of addressing older heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to improve air…

Discusses how one college's experience with a tragic fire in one of its residence halls prompted a reevaluation of its fire-prevention-and-response strategies. Staff training, sprinkler installation, new alarm systems, and exit hardware to help make building exiting more efficient are discussed. (GR)

When planning a school-technology upgrade, a primary concern is flexibility. A building's cabling pathways must be able to be easily upgraded, reconfigured, and relocated. While a flexible wire and cable-management system may be more expensive to install than other solutions, an accessible design will offer labor savings over the life of the…

Examines a Pennsylvania school's successful planning, design, and bidding process for acquiring a geothermal heat pump (GHP)system whose subsequent efficiency became award-winning for environmental excellence. Charts and statistical tables describe the GHP's energy savings. Concluding comments review the lessons learned from the process. (GR)

Describes the post-earthquake renovation of a San Francisco urban elementary school that preserved its historical detail within a modern replacement. Design features are detailed; photos and a floorplan are included. (GR)

Notes that the increase of information technology in the classroom causes new problems such as finding new or training old instructors and constantly upgrading materials and equipment. Describes how a career center, a community college, and a state college cope with the challenges. (JOW)

Explains how a comprehensive analysis of school facilities' needs can help persuade decision makers to support budget requests. Steps discussed include establishing repair costs, measuring building conditions, forecasting future costs, determining the long-term budget, and communicating consequences. (GR)

Discusses how schools and universities can save energy and money by evaluating lighting systems and changing behaviors. Retrofitting older buildings with better lighting technology and use of natural light are examined. An example of an energy conservation education program to reduce energy waste is highlighted. (GR)

Highlights 40 award-winning newly constructed or renovated/restored elementary school design projects for 2000. Design descriptions, data, and photos are provided along with information about the architectural design firm used and costs per square foot and per student. (GR)

Highlights 20 award-winning newly constructed or renovated/restored middle school design projects for 2000. Design descriptions, data, and photos are provided along with information about the architectural design firm used and costs per square foot and per student. (GR)