Once the function of an outdoor educational facility has been determined, a site inventory should examine the site's physical characteristics, soil types, vegetation, water resources, and wildlife. Provides suggestions on maximizing usage of the site while minimizing detrimental effects of site development and long-term environmental damage. (LP)

Discusses work on a pilot project to develop guidelines for accessible interpretation that integrates disabled and mainstream visitors. Discusses program and facility designs and suggests ways to make existing interpretive programs more accessible to visitors with disabilities. (LZ)

Examines some of the basic issues involved in creating a warm and safe day-care environment for infants and toddlers, one that supports and promotes development and learning. Describing policies that were generated from everyday classroom experience, discusses the issues of security and trust, separation anxiety, group size, exploration and…

Three California court decisions suggest that school districts should work with their cities and counties to put policies and guidelines in their general plan requiring public infrastructures, including schools, to keep pace with development. (MLF)

Educational facility planners can work with educators to design learning environments for the future as places that will be flexible, adaptable, and readily reconfigured when appropriate. Planners and educators need to understand the effectiveness of learners, teachers, and organizations. (MLF)

Describes how massive school restructuring in Kentucky is affecting school facility planning and construction. (MLF)

Both Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are intended to promote the removal of the physical barriers that deny individuals with disabilities access to educational programs and activities. Addresses the relationship between the ADA and Section 504 along with the responsibilities of…

Discusses ways for preparing schools for integrating technology, including designing the wiring infrastructure, equipment purchases, furniture needs, and ergonomic considerations. Describes four levels of Internet connectivity access and provides a list of contact names, phone numbers, and Web sites for technology fund information from each state.…

Examines building-cost trend data for educational facilities from the American School & University's 24th annual Official Education Construction Report for 1997. Data tables list education construction by projects completed; by projected spending; institution type; type of spending; projects projected for completion; and how construction costs…

Presents a detailed plan for school publications staffs in covering a crisis or disaster. Describes things to do before, during, and after the crisis (natural disasters, student deaths, fire, violence, etc.). Appends two exercises--ranking story ideas in order of importance, and establishing an emergency-contact list. (RS)

Describes a journalism adviser's dual role as teacher and adviser when it comes to covering school violence and the school's new security measures. Discusses production of a special issue of the Rockwood South (Missouri) "RAMpage" on school safety. (RS)

Outlines important issues to address when planning video production facilities in a school's media center. Discusses spatial, light, and temperature considerations; determining amount to be spent, what the studio will be used for, and selecting equipment; considering digital video and nonlinear editing systems; visiting schools that already have a…

Considers a new aspect to today's environmental education in which students are challenging campus administrators to make the setting of their education more environmentally sustainable. This movement is tearing down walls between academia and campus operations. Students are gaining practical experiences that buttress their academic studies.…

Alpha High School in urban Gresham (Oregon) houses a school-to-work program and was designed, with student involvement, as a business. Movable walls and cabinetry provide the flexibility to accommodate general assemblies, combine classes for team teaching, or break classes up into small working groups. A business lab enables businesses to set up…

Renovations contributed to academic improvement at an Issaquah (Washington) elementary school. Enclosing an open-air corridor enabled it to be used for educational activities. Double doors connected classrooms for team teaching, and carpet improved acoustics. A music room, library, and computer lab were also added. Student and community…