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…

Outlines factors to be considered in planning a dedicated room when a school system plans to become involved in a network of interactive television for distance learning. (MLF)

Factors in the physical arrangement of special education classrooms that may lead to greater instructional control and structure include teacher proximity and view, separation of space, and reduction of extraneous stimuli. The issue of making classrooms more relaxed and home-like versus structuring them like regular classes to prepare students for…

This discussion of issues to be considered in setting up an efficient computer classroom focuses on the selection, preparation, and furnishing of facilities intended for instructional use: selection and room preparation; power, lighting, and telecommunication; avoidance of equipment problems; and furniture selection. (11 references) (MBR)

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues…

This document presents prototypical educational specifications to guide the building and renovation of Idaho vocational schools so they can help communities meet the advanced, professional-technical programs of the future. The specifications start with points to consider when determining school site suitability. The document then sets forth…

The author describes physical conditions in the classroom--light, sound, color and touch, and space--that the educator can alter to improve human comfort and thus make the classroom a more pleasurable, effective place for both teacher and student. (Editor)

Workshop articles address the importance of room arrangement in early childhood settings: "Creating Environments that Intrigue and Delight Children and Adults" (Wendy Shepherd and Jennifer Eaton); "3 Keys to Flexible Room Arrangement" (Elizabeth Prescott); "Mood: The Spirit of Place" (Anita Rui Olds); and…

Discusses the impact that new technologies are already having on programs and facilities, as well as predictions for the future. Discusses selected educational and facility technologies and the ways in which buildings and different kinds of classrooms can be made user-friendly. (Seven references) (LMI)

This publication provides suggestions and considerations that may be useful for school jurisdictions developing facilities for computers in schools. An interim report for both use and review, it is intended to assist school system planners in clarifying the specifications needed by the architects, other design consultants, and purchasers involved.…

This description of an ideal school computer laboratory focuses on physical characteristics and includes guidelines for floors, walls, ceilings, doors, wiring, seating configurations, and furniture. (LRW)

Presents guidelines relative to audiovisual specifications for school classrooms, lecture halls, and auditoriums, to serve as a checklist for preliminary planning for facilities' construction or remodeling. Specifications are included for lights and lighting; electrical wiring; conduit; projection screens, booth, and stations; display boards; and…

Discusses the importance of planning lighting in childcare centers. Ideas for organizing lighting in efficient and developmentally appropriate ways are offered. Suggestions are made for provisions that will ensure children's gradual transition from bright to dimly-lit rooms. Guidelines for assessing light quality in a facility and the degree to…

In an increasingly technological environment, traditional teaching presentation methods such as the podium, overhead, and transparencies are no longer sufficient. This document serves as a guide to designing and planning an electronic classroom for "bidirectional" communication between teacher and student. Topics include: (1) determining…

Emphasizes the importance of creating culturally reflective child care environments. Describes the experiences of a design firm in creating a schematic design for the model employer-supported child care facility. Specific areas of focus include: (1) culture and architectural child care design; (2) cultural research for facility design; and (3)…