Brown discusses the history of Hector Garcia, a Mexican immigrant who, as U.S. Army captain, worked diligently to assist minority servicemen in navigating the Veterans Administration, and found the GI Forum. Dr. Garcia's activism, through the Forum, was instrumental in desegregating hospitals, swimming pools, schools and cemeteries. Brown's case…

When students think about the obstacles they must overcome to get into a school, most probably are thinking in terms of SATs, ACTs or other entrance exams. However, for students with disabilities, the obstacles they face often are literal ones: manual doors. Accommodating those with disabilities or physical limitations is one reason for schools to…

In 2007, schools and universities allocated billions of dollars to build education facilities. Responsible administrators strive to spend those funds wisely, but over the years, educators and community members have not always agreed on what constitutes wise spending. In the Baby Boom years, the accelerating demand for space led many schools and…

Before one begins the planning process for a new facility, it is important to determine if there is a need for a new facility. The demand for a new facility can be drawn from increases in the number of users, the type of users, and the type of events to be conducted in the facility. A feasibility study should be conducted to analyze the legal…

St. John's Central College, the third largest further education institution in Ireland, recently expanded and refurbished its facilities. The resulting site is more open to the community, and the new building spaces are designed in accordance with their social and academic functions.

Because of the nature of their subject, technology teachers have found ways to make learning active and exciting, often through new activities and projects that have real-world relevance. As technology fields grow, the success of technology teachers is tied in with innovation rather than the accomplishments of the past. This book provides a…

This report examines the class size conditions in New York City's lowest performing schools--the 408 Schools in Need of Improvement (SINI) or Schools Requiring Academic Progress (SRAP) identified by the state. This report examines a detailed analysis of class size and enrollment data for each grade in each of these schools and determines how many…

At the request of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) has conducted "a literature search and review to identify best practices in [school] building design for accommodating the evacuation and sheltering needs of individuals with special needs or…

An Ohio State University project studying quality educational environments brought together experts from several fields from various countries to discuss issues and tour facilities in Europe and the United States. In addition, a survey of university staff, students, and faculty found that there is a strong relationship between school environment…

This book looks at the architecture, landscaping and planning of college and university campuses as an art form. It explores the elements and principles that come together to make a successful campus and the importance of visual environment to the activity that takes place in it. A discussion of planning and campus components touches on libraries,…

Computers and other technological innovations are becoming a greater part of today's educational system requiring educational facility designers to plan for their use when designing or renovating new buildings. This booklet considers the building needs for accommodating new technology, particularly focusing on the impact of personal computers and…

The Georgia State Department of Education recognizes two separate methods for utilizing construction management services by local school systems when state capital outlay funds are involved. This report details those two methods. The report first describes the Construction Management (CM)-Agency approach, which allows a CM-Agency manager to enter…

This book presents those facilities that best meet the needs of contemporary middle school programs by allowing: teaming; an integration of curriculum initiatives; block scheduling; and an increased focus on such areas as advanced technology, physical fitness and wellness, and consumer science. It documents how the buildings can contribute to the…

Findings of a study that determined the physical conditions of Minnesota's public school buildings 50 years and older are presented in this report. Data were obtained from a survey that was distributed to 367 school districts that have 614 buildings 50 years and older. Responses were received from 398 buildings in 242 school districts. Findings…

The experiment of a "conceptual" middle school raised the possibility of separating the program from the building. The school district in which this innovation has been carried out consists of five elementary schools and one comprehensive high school which service a 400 square mile area. The district includes nine separate towns in western…