A school district's organization of facility needs assessment instruments and generic education facility specifications coupled with the computer capabilities of a South Carolina architectural firm shortened a school building project by over one year. (MLF)

The Public Policy and Public Schools Program, piloted in 1982-83 in Paterson, New Jersey, trains parents in understanding the administration and organization of their local schools and school district, in order to develop a network of informed citizens who can play an active role in the improvement of their schools. (GC)

A computer training model for school personnel can be divided into several phases that meet a district's goal of decentralizing the computerized administrative and instructional support system. Training involves such considerations as cost and job description revisions. (CJH)

A Michigan school district asked local trade specialists to identify school building problems and estimate repair costs. A citizens' committee reviewed the recommendations and the community approved a bond issue to finance the school improvements. (MLF)

Thirteen elementary school projects selected by the jury are featured in this section of the special issue. Descriptions are accompanied by photographs or drawings and some floor plans. (MLF)

Fourteen secondary school projects selected by the jury are featured in this section of the special issue. Descriptions are accompanied by photographs or drawings and some floor plans. (MLF)

Featured in this section of the special issue are 37 postsecondary projects selected by the jury. Descriptions, photographs or drawings, and some floor plans are included. (MLF)

Disabled Student Services Director, Alfred H. DeGraff, tells how Boston University's programs and facilities are providing independence for disabled persons. (MLF)

A superintendent reviews five steps for developing and implementing "effective schools" projects. (MD)

These guidelines present optional strategies to be considered in designing schools to be more energy efficient and sustainable. The guidelines are organized by the following design and construction process: site selection; selection of A & E design team; programming and goal setting; schematic design; design development; construction…

This document provides a case study of the renovation of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Clarke County, Virginia. Chapter 1, "Planning and Designing a School Renovation," describes considerations for measuring the quality of a school renovation project, including its value to users and its imapct on learning. It summarizes the research…

This report examines the Chicago Public School System's need for capital improvement, and it highlights action plans for the future. The report reveals that many planned school improvements projects are unfunded and that there is about $229 million worth of projects that no longer appear in the city's capital improvements plan. Overcrowding…

This booklet offers energy savings concepts for Utah's public school districts. Topics cover energy efficient design for new buildings and additions, cost-effective energy upgrades during retrofits, maintenance and operating procedures for increasing energy efficiency, and funding options for school districts making energy upgrades. Appendices…

During the 1997-98 school year, the Sentry Hill School District made the decision to "redesign" Clayton Elementary School after persistently low student achievement placed the district in the lowest category of the district's accountability system. This case study outlines the changes made at the school. Redesigning the school meant removing all…

This paper addresses the growing population trends in California; the need to counteract the current model of community sprawl by designing smarter schools and community growth strategies; and the changes in planning, policies, and practices needed to achieve these goals. Recommended strategies described support the following actions: more…