The Model Schedule for a Capital Improvement Program described in this paper encourages school leaders to consider a more holistic view of the planning process. It is intended to assist those responsible for educational facility planning, who must assure that all important and relevant tasks are accomplished in a timely manner. The model's six…

Asserting that few people recognize that concentrations of toxic pollutants are often many times higher inside buildings than outdoors, this guide offers advice on improving school environmental health in Vermont. Its chapters are: (1) "Indoor Air Pollution is a National Problem"; (2) "School Environmental Health in Vermont";…

This paper describes the effectiveness of a three-step indoor air quality (IAQ) program implemented by 156 schools in the states of Washington and Idaho during the 2000-2001 school year. An experienced IAQ/building science specialist conducted walk-through assessments at each school. These assessments documented deficiencies and served as an…

This report examines the problem of acoustic inadequacy in the classroom, how it affects students and teachers, and possible solutions. It explains how to predict classroom adequacy for communication by assessing the level of speech in competition with other noise, and the level of that competing noise itself in terms of reverberation that allows…

This paper examines study findings on the relationship between the educational facility and the student variables of academic achievement and student behavior, revealing the extent that thermal environment, proper illumination, space, and equipment and furnishings have on students. Additionally discussed is the relationship between parental…

A Florida study replaced conventional light switches with passive infrared or ultrasonic sensing systems to control classroom lighting in an elementary school to determine the performance of such controls in saving energy. A before-and-after monitoring protocol was used for 33 classrooms and 7 offices in which electrical demand data were…

The State of Alaska Department of Education has created a handbook for establishing budgets for the following three types of construction projects: new schools or additions; renovations; and combined new work and renovations. The handbook supports a demand cost model computer program that includes detailed renovation cost data, itemized by…

A slide presentation examines the decisionmaking process behind whether a community should renovate their older school facilities or abandon them for new facilities. Three factors to be considered in this decision are addressed and involve the school's location, the history of the school, and the relationship of the school to the community and the…

A presentation examines the empirical research on the quality of children's social and educational experiences in educational environments and discusses why the public should be concerned with providing optimal environments for learning. It explores what an optimal learning environment is and provides its five attributes, including its ability to…

The specifications outlined in this document provide a basis for addressing facilities needs at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. An introduction describes the school's current facilities and need for improvement and discusses the educational program to be housed, the school's philosophy/mission, goals for the educational…

Something suspiciously like lethargy, the author says, has settled over teachers, blunting the thrust of attempted innovations. He offers a few ideas on improving teacher training and in-service. (Editor)

Describes a sophisticated alarm system, a school safety program, and a mini-laundry run by physically handicapped students. Explains how to enlist industry to attract volunteers and how to convert school space into a counseling suite. (Author/MF)

In a survey of school superintendents, 87 percent of the respondents reveal the use of carpeting in instructional areas. (Author)

This excerpt from a report (See RIE EA 005 433) alerts school administrators and officials to the means for effecting economies in existing and future school buildings and instructs them in criteria for assessing proposed heating/cooling/lighting and other energy consuming systems. (Author/MLF)

Remodeling results in a new school (R D Seymour Elementary School) as well as a new program. (Author)