Years of data show many students exit the U.S. educational system unprepared for college and career. In response, the White House launched the "My Brother's Keeper" (MBK) initiative, calling for the closing of opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. SWIFT Center assembled a national task force to determine how SWIFT can…

Representative democracy relies on the informed trust of the citizens. School board members serve their communities at a crucial place, governing large sums of money and the future of the community's children. Without the informed trust of the citizens, this enterprise will fail. Trust may be lost directly, or through inattention to detail. One of…

Discussed are what constitutes good lighting for a sports field, what are the best lamp and floodlight types, what is involved in maintenance, and how various systems compare. Lighting for fields of various shapes and tennis courts is examined in detail. (MT)

The Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) is a bold approach to improving student learning by encouraging teachers, parents, and the community to work collaboratively to introduce innovative projects that address local needs. Initiated in 1999 by the Alberta Government and its partners, AISI provides targeted funding to school…

This paper addresses the key elements found in well-designed teachers' workspaces, including both classroom- and office-based workspaces; and highlights important development principles when designing these workspaces. Educational trends that have affected the rise of both classroom- and office-based workspace are briefly discussed. (GR)

This planning guide focuses on the fundamental requirements for planning and designing school music suites. The guide provides brief explanations of critical factors affecting music suites so that music directors and other stakeholders can more quickly and clearly communicate music area fundamentals to architects and administrators. Topics cover…

This author recommends a comprehensive evalution of education construction projects 11 months following their substantial completion, when users have had sufficient time to identify true weaknesses, original intentions have not been forgotten, shortcomings in materials or the construction process will have appeared, and one year warranties have…

This paper addresses the key elements for designing school health centers, the emergence of school-based health clinics and the minimum requirements these facilities should have, and the basic principles to remember when designing school health centers. The paper's focus concerns the nurse's office and the school-based health clinic. Additionally…

Discussion of laboratory cabinets and desk systems looks at considerations of cost, flexibility, utility, serviceability, storage capacity, future availability of compatible components, and safety or other legal compliance issues. Four system types (standard floor-mounted, C-frame, end rigger-leg frame suspended, unistrut) are described, and…

This publication about pre-school nursery design illustrates major issues and ideas about these spaces and provides comprehensive guidance for the planners and designers of such spaces. The author presents examples of historical and contemporary kindergartens that demonstrate practical ways that educational theory can be incorporated into new…

This paper examines the emerging trend of multipurpose class spaces, including educational trends influencing multipurpose classroom use, and key issues when using these spaces. Issues discussed include room location, technology integration, food services, acoustics, lighting, outdoor space, capacity, and storage. Design principles emphasized…

This paper discusses the components of key spaces found within elementary and secondary school science facilities, and highlights the common design features that facilitate quality science instruction in these areas. Three educational trends that have shaped today's school science education are also examined. Common design features highlighted…

Describes the process of designing the educational facility. Observations about the total design activity relate the need for the integration of educational programs with a thorough understanding of basic design principles. (MLF)

This article describes seven methods of calculating a school's capacity (the number of students that can be instructed without curtailing the educational program), including one devised by the author. (MCG)

The first of a series of articles explains the legal principles of tort liability, waiver of liability, comparative negligence, assumption of risk, and contributory negligence. Summarizes the kinds of cases going to court involving sport facility design and operation. (MLF)