In this article, the authors examine the role of education in the maintenance of social cohesion and the formation of new identities amid the economic decline and political volatility of six new nations: Azerbaijan, in the southern Caucasus, and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in Central Asia. The authors first…

The first thing a visitor notices when entering Hollytree primary school is the art-work displayed on every wall. This paper, based on a three-year ethnographic study of the school, mobilizes field notes and interview and photographic data to probe the meanings of this visual "display". We argue that the walls (re)produce and promote…

This paper includes over 1,250 stories that catalog a broadening and deepening commitment to campus sustainability by colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. The 380-page report categorizes stories from nearly 600 higher education institutions into 24 chapters, spanning education and research, campus operations, and administration and…

Two schools in Idaho received ARRA SIG (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act School Improvement Grants) funds to enable them to implement improvement efforts. This paper describes the outcomes of these two ARRA SIG recipient schools: (1) Jefferson Middle School; and (2) Lakeside Elementary School. The experiences of this non-recipient school is…

Developed through a modified DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process involving business, industry, labor, and community agency representatives in Ohio, this document is a comprehensive and verified employer competency profile for building and property maintenance occupations. The list contains units (with and without subunits), competencies, and…

This document, in a looseleaf format that allows for the easy addition of annual updates, is a compilation of information to be used in the planning of educational buildings from the conception of needs through occupancy and use. Each unit contains numerous photographs, drawings, and figures that illustrate the contents. Unit subjects are as…

Developed for vocational educators of short-term or long-term programs, this manual presents a complete competency-based curriculum in building maintenance for the advanced limited English proficient student. Following instructions on use of the manual and recommended references, a student tracking system and record sheet are provided, which list…

Lead can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Lead is also harmful to adults. Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. People can also get lead in their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often invisible. Lead-based…

Brazil's Sao Paulo Metropolitan Region is conducting a performance evaluation pilot study at three schools serving disadvantaged populations. The objective is first to test methods which can facilitate Post Occupancy Evaluations (POEs) and then to carry out the evaluations. The preliminary results are provided below.

This report presents information on the Student Loan Marketing Association's (Sallie Mae) activities to finance the construction of academic facilities. Specific information is provided on: (1) the focus on Sallie Mae's college-construction activities to date; and (2) activities that would probably not have been financed under the changes to…

The California Office of the State Architect, Structural Safety Division (OSA/SSS) is responsible for evaluating public school structures after an earthquake. However, final authority on whether a building should be reoccupied after damage lies with the school district. This guidebook is designed to help school officials assess earthquake damage…

Photographs of snow covered buildings are used to illustrate thermal radiation from various types of structures and the effect of insulation on heat loss. (CP)

The new Terraset Elementary School in Reston, Virginia, uses earth as a cover for the roof area and for about 80 percent of the wall area. A heat recovery system will be used with solar collectors playing a primary role in heating and cooling. (Author/MLF)

Describes a method for calculating an index of custodial work level and cost efficiency for each school in a school system, and suggests how the resulting information can be used to reduce school custodial costs. (JG)

Describes four approaches to cost cutting that are offered to stimulate thinking in the direction of thrift: manage class size in the interests of both learning and economy; spend less for salaries; eliminate irrelevant goals, activities, and arrangements; and reconsider building needs and use. (Author/IRT)