This publication brings together some recent examples of what the Commission believes to be noteworthy open space schools. In addition, the Commission has drawn from its own experiences with the planning, design, and construction of open space schools. The material serves to call attention to the development of open space, to offer a few…

The present study of school building construction and school building needs was made at the request of school building experts from all parts of the country who urged the need of detailed data by cities as well as by counties and States, as to the types of schools for which buildings had been constructed during the past 3 years, the kinds of…

Describes the processes involved in redesigning and renovating Power Middle School (Michigan) for current and future educational technology, particularly for the media center. Topics discussed include planning; time management; wiring infrastructure; voice and video networks; teacher and student multimedia production rooms; and communications…

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…

In this chapter on decisions made by federal and state courts during 1983 concerning school property it is noted that no new trends emerged during the year. Among the topics addressed are the extent of school board authority over property use and other property matters; the attachment and detachment of land from school district holdings; school…

This annotated bibliography focuses on the effects of the physical environment on education. Topics covered include school size, architectural design, seating arrangement, environmental stressors, alternative learning environments, enhancing learning through environmental change, and special groups of students within the school. The first section…

This bibliography on organizational trends in schools lists 386 books, pamphlets, articles, bibliographies, and audiovisual resources published between 1955 and 1968, but mostly since 1965. Topics covered include (1) the educational reform movement and major trends in school organization, (2) cooperative teaching and emerging staff utilization…

This report, representing a 12-month case study of a new Scottish primary school, draws together educational issues concerning problems and possibilities of open-plan schooling by locating them in the day-to-day work of a particular open-plan school. During 70 days of field work, the researcher spent time observing classes, interviewing parents,…

Chester County (Pennsylvania) is described in terms of its demography and its school system; its special education program is also reviewed. Placement and program organization are outlined for the trainable mentally retarded, brain injured, socially and emotionally disturbed, and physically, visually, or auditorially handicapped. The need for…

ERIC abstracts on open space schools, announced in RIE through August 1972, are presented. The key terms used in compiling this collection are "open education," and "open plan schools." The documents present materials defining open space schools and open education, comparing open space schools with traditional schools and open education with…

Seven schools located in and around an impoverished West Philadelphia community are highlighted. While all seven schools are representative of a movement toward the decentralization of authority, the involvement of people in their schools, and the humanization of the educational process, each is innovative in its own way. The authors first discuss…

An observer's views of open-informal education and its central issues are presented in view of increasing interest in opening up classroom procedures and activities. The problems in defining Open Education are noted, but, in general, the events, relationships, activities and materials in the classroom are seen as being neither standardized nor…

This report invites examination of what the schoolhouse is and what it can be -- an instrument to equip young people to cope with an increasingly complex world, enable them to contribute to the common good, and help them find joy in their own existence. The first section discusses traditional school design and how the knowledge explosion has made…

Argues classrooms must provide an appropriately stimulating environment that supports learning and provides teachers and students with a comfortable place to learn. Lists requisite factors of the school environment including furniture, aesthetics, color, carpet, building maintenance, decorating detail, comfort, space/design, lighting, classroom…

In 2002, the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) published the author's "Ten Educational Trends Shaping School Planning and Design" [ED467701], which received considerable attention and has been downloaded from the NCEF website by thousands of users. Here is an update by the author, with the ten trends expanded to twelve. This…