The Virtual Library:
Construction

Click to return to: VIRTUAL LIBRARY TABLE OF CONTENTS

It's Urban vs. Suburban Districts in the Battle for the Billions. Suburban districts have an upper hand in getting money from Sacramento to build and renovate their schools. Those that show fast growth in student enrollment are the winners. But the bureaucratic ways of measuring it are far from fair. So bond money has not been going to those districts that need it most.

Impact of Inadequate School Facilities on Student Learning: After reading this posting from the Department of Education, you might ask, "Is my child's school ok?" This paper, backed with research from several states, draws a vital link between students' and teachers' physical surroundings with their performance levels. It shows that learning and teaching doesn't just rely solely on concentration. Overcrowding, room temperature, acoustics, noise level, proper classroom equipment, and more, are cited as some of the making and breaking points in successful teaching and learning.

Corp of Engineers to Manage School Building: Written by Greg Gittrich, this article explores what happens when political favoritism and corruption interferes with the building of public schools. They call in the Army. That's what one LA Unified School Board head recently did to manage the current school construction and renovation program. Is your school district capable of handling such projects? Read about the pros and cons of following in Los Angeles footsteps.

K-12 School Construction Facts: John B. Lyons of the Department of Education presents school construction statistics derived from a report by the government's own watchdog, the Government Accounting Office (GAO). Focusing on growth and cost projections for 2001, this report highlights the ever-rising construction costs along with the non-stop, surging growth of public school students. Included is the shocker, hard to find money for school construction is misused.

For additional information on related subjects in the Virtual Library, please take a look at: Facilities, and Finance. and Portable Classrooms.