Recommendations and guidelines pertinent to effective planning and construction of school plants in Rhode Island are outlined. Recommendations as to the development of facilities needs, organization and functions of the planning committee, and planning for pupil and curriculum needs are considered as the basic frame of reference. General guidelines are suggested for meeting instructional needs, conserving funds, maintaining health and safety, planning for flexibility, designing buildings for multiple use, maintaining buildings for increased durability, adding to buildings when needed, and providing for emergency shelters. Location, size, shape, engineering characteristics, health and safety requirements and public value of school sites are discussed as important criteria. Instructional areas i.e. number and size of rooms in elementary school and secondary school buildings, are discussed at length. Auxilliary instructional areas--libraries, auditorium, and cafeteria--and auxiliary areas--guidance and counseling, administration, health, storage, staff lounge and workrooms, student workrooms and activity rooms--are considered. Instructional aids and service facilities are treated in separate chapters. A bibliography includes basic texts and general references. (FPO)