The intersection of technology and the 21st Century learner has challenged many school districts to rethink their approach to the design of school facilities and the definition of "classroom." To strategically plan for the future, districts must not only consider facilities and curriculum, but understand a process of change that is…

The nation's major city public school districts have substantial construction, renovation, modernization, and deferred maintenance needs because of the age and size of their school buildings, shifting populations, and the need to devote substantial resources to instructional personnel to meet their core academic mission. For instance, the average…

"Education Matters" is the monthly newsletter of the Association of American Educators (AAE), an organization dedicated to advancing the American teaching profession through personal growth, professional development, teacher advocacy and protection. This issue of the newsletter includes: (1) Quality Counts: Doesn't It? (Kate Walsh and…

This report examines "prevailing wage" and school construction costs in Washington state by first examining 1985 through 1999 data on the state's school construction financing levels, the percentage of local share of funding, comparisons of average actual square foot cost versus the state's area cost allowance, and bond election…

Value Engineering (VE) is a cost-optimizing technique used to analyze design quality and cost-effectiveness. The application of VE procedures to the design and construction of school facilities has been adopted by the state of Washington. This technical manual provides guidance in developing the scope and applicability of VE to school projects; in…

This publication is the result of a study authorized by the Washington State Legislature to identify and isolate factors that contribute to higher costs of building. The committee charged with this study combined existing research and information on the subject with its own suggestions. It developed recommendations to assist the school…

Procedural and technical guidelines are offered for cost-effective planning and construction of new public school physical plant facilities for the state of Washington. The manual provides a chronological guide of the many phases of planning, financing, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating school plant facilities. In addition, the…

This Washington State manual explains the full spectrum of activities involved in the planning, design, and construction of successful and cost-effective projects for school facilities. Chapters cover advance planning; financing; site selection; educational specifications; consultant selection; school design; bidding, evaluation, and award of…

In 1995, a federal report by the General Accounting Office (GAO) estimated that $112 billion was needed to bring the nation's school facilities into good repair. Subsequent studies estimated it would take more than $320 billion to build new schools to handle swelling enrollments, renovate aging buildings, and equip all buildings with the…

The chapters in this book address a range of issues of interest to school directors, teachers, and parents and are intended to promote discussion about educational alternatives. A basic premise is that in the not-too-distant future, education will be provided where and when students and their parents can best access it, with educational venues and…

In 1991, the Washington State Legislature directed the State Board of Education to develop a new priority system for allocating state aid for school construction and modernization projects. This document reflects the concerns of the State Board of Education, identifying the current context and discussing the major issues pertaining to school…