This report provides nationally representative data on the condition of public school facilities. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) previously collected data on this topic in 1999 (Lewis et al. 2000). The study presented in this report collected information about the condition of public school facilities in the 2012-13 school…

This paper studies the link between school facilities (buildings and grounds) and student achievement in eight countries using data from the TIMSS 2003 database. The results indicate a negative relationship, but the estimated coefficients are mainly insignificant. Interestingly, the coefficients differ heavily across countries. Whereas there seem…

With properly specified fiber and a comprehensive maintenance program, school carpets can retain their appearance longer. Discusses carpet characteristics; proper carpet installation; effective preventive-maintenance programs (keep outside areas clean, use soil barriers, protect desk areas, maintain HVAC systems, and specify eating, drinking, and…

Investigates state unmet funding needs for school infrastructure. Finds an estimated total of $266.1 billion in unmet funding needs. Provides state-by-state estimates of unmet funding that range from $220.1 million in Vermont to $47.6 billion in New York. Compares urban and rural infrastructure needs. Includes recommendations for school business…

Shows how schools are working to avoid the types of equipment, supplies, and maintenance practices that harm indoor air quality. Simple steps to maintaining a cleaner indoor air environment are highlighted as are steps to reducing the problem air quality and the occurrence of asthma. (GR)

Day care directors who wish to create a good first impression for parents may wish to consider the appearance of the exterior of their building, the reception area, general health and safety of the center, personnel, center vans, and telephone etiquette. (RJC)

Background: Policies set at the state, district, and school levels can support and enhance a healthy and safe school environment. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts the School Health Policies and Programs Study every 6 years. In 2006, computer-assisted telephone interviews or self-administered mail questionnaires were…

Written to answer a long-felt need for a comprehensive, up-to-date planning instrument to measure the quality of school facilities, this appraisal guide serves as a road map for school administrators and boards involved in any type of building program. The guide attempts to evaluate school facilities in terms of their general condition as well as…

According to a recent survey of school administrators, nearly 5 million American public school students attend classes in substandard buildings. These children are required by law to enter schools that are structurally unsound, environmentally unsafe, or shoddy places for learning. This report summarizes findings of a nationwide study of U.S.…

This document presents findings of a study to be used as a basis for determining the condition of the nation's school facilities. This report presents information on the amount of funding the nation's schools report is needed to improve inadequate educational facilities, and on the overall physical condition and prevalence of schools that need…

The Custodians/Security Department is a support service of the Des Moines (Iowa) Independent Community School District. Responsibilities of the department do not stop with the care of the facility, but extend to providing a clean, safe environment for all who use school facilities. Program evaluation in the 1993-94 school year reveals a total…

There are several reasons why appraisals of school sites are necessary--the reasons run the range from the importance of performing a postoccupancy review to examining the need for new facilities. This guide helps educators and community leaders, as well as technical experts in school facilities, to complete the process of school facility…

A broad range of topics deals with the development, maintenance, and full utilization of a healthful school environment, encompassing such areas as--(1) school organizations which affect the student environment, (2) accident prevention, (3) the criteria for healthful food services, (4) physical education and the necessary athletic facilities, (5)…

The last in a series of General Accounting Office (GAO) reports that present a comprehensive review of the conditions of America's school facilities, this report organizes state-level information gathered from GAO work on school facilities into individual profiles for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The report presents new information…