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ERIC ED425616: Reinvigorating Our Schools. PDF

18 Pages·1998·0.72 MB·English
by  ERIC
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DOCUMENT RESUME ED 425 616 EF 005 109 TITLE Reinvigorating Our Schools. INSTITUTION American Inst. of Architects, Washington, DC. PUB DATE 1998-00-00 NOTE 17p. AVAILABLE FROM American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20006-5292; Tel: 800-365-2724 (Toll Free); Web site: http://www.aiaonline.com (free; bulk orders 4W866, $1 each). PUB TYPE Guides Non-Classroom (055) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Architects; *Building Design; Construction Costs; Educational Environment; Educational Facilities Design; *Educational Facilities Planning; Educational Finance; Elementary Secondary Education; School Safety; School Size; Site Selection; Space Utilization IDENTIFIERS Learning Environments ABSTRACT This step-by-step guide helps communities think and talk about school renewal through innovative planning and design, and high quality construction. It begins with an overview of need and available funding, then describes potential members of a school-improvement team. These include: architects, state school agents, community groups, local elected and appointed officials, bankers, engineers, developers and lawyers. How an experienced architect enhances value is described, as well as options for saving time and money on school projects. Guidelines for planning a school is set out in six discussion elements: (1) structural condition; (2) environmental quality; (3) size and capacity; (4) safety and security; (5) site location; and (6) symbolic value and aesthetics. References for further information are included. Local American Institute of Architects components that can help communities in finding an experienced school architect are listed by state and city. (JM) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** 1,1 Itf THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS To get the best additions, renovations, and new construction for your school funds tomorrow, you need to plan today. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND Office of Educational Research and improvement DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION BEEN GRANTED BY CENTER (ERIC) )4 This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization David Klerdue originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to AIA improve reproduction quality. TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Points of view or opinions stated in this INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) document do not necessarily represent 1 official OERI position or policy. I II UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION THE SECRETARY October 1998 The first Baby Boom Echo report issued by the U S Department of Education in September 1996 described the record breaking number of children who would be attending our schools for the next ten years This boom in student enrollment is different than those in the past because there will be continuous growth rather than growth that plateaus after a few years These steady increases are putting a strain on school systems and school facilities that is being felt by teachers, administrators, and students Several recent studies and reports have described the dismal condition of many of our public school buildings and the immediate need for repair and modernization of these facilities The crumbling infrastructure of our current school facilities coupled with the demand for more I I I schools and classrooms as a result of the "baby boom echo" and the demands of technology, has heightened the importance of improved approaches and strategies for repairs modernization, and the building of new schools It has also made everyone aware of the costs All of these reports have brought a new awareness of the problem They have been the catalyst for a new dialogue and new relationships among organizations that have not worked together on education issues One of these has been between the U S Department of Education and The American Institute of Architects Reinvigorating Our Schools is an example of the growing awareness of the need for, and the issues involved in, school construction as well as the important role communities have in planning I applaud efforts like Reinvigorating Our School, that are aimed at helping school improvement communities understand these complex issues and the strategies that may be employed to address local school building design and construction needs Guides like Reinvigorating Our Schools and a new Department publication entitled A Citizen's Guide for Planning Schools as Centers. of Community are usefill resources for communities that are engaged in planning for modernization of existing or designing new school buildings I I want to thank The American Institute of Architects for sharing its expertise with the Department to assist in planning the National Symposium on School Design nchoolc as Centers of Community .CAL 91 Richard W Riley 3 600 INDEPENDENCE AVE S W WASHINGTON D C 20202-0100 Our mission is Is ensure equal accr. to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the Nation. AVAILABLE FUNDING such partnerships. It is definitely worth Traditionally, schools Where is the money? are built and operated with local funds exploring, though, with school- supplemented, in most cases, with state improvement resources so scarce. revenue. Recently, there have been a number of legislative initiatives in In Washington, D.C., the 72-year-old Congress to provide substantial federal James F. Oyster Bilingual Elementary support for upgrading schools. School was in drastic need of repair. The city had no way to fund renovation, so a group of parents An example is the Taxpayer Relief Act including two of 1997. The Qualified Zone Academy mothers with expertise in real-estate Bonds the act created may already be development and school design, Mary available for renovating schools in your Filardo and Sarah Woodhead, AIA By renovating an abandoned school rather state. found another way. than constructing a new one, Boney Architects saved Rutherford County, N.C. The program provides $400 million in A private developer will take possession up to $5 million. federal tax incentives per year for 1998 of the school's 1.7-acre site and build a and 1999 to financial institutions that luxury apartment building on one half underwrite school programs. In lieu of and an enlarged, up-to-date new school Boney Architects worked with the school interest, those institutions receive district to renovate the abandoned high on the other. federal tax credits. That translates to school completely for $2 million. The zero-interest bonds for school districts architect's strategy allowed the county Under the financing arrangement taking advantage of this program. State to use the unspent money from the new worked out with the school board, city allocations are based on population and council, D.C. financial control board, and high school to create a modern, computer- poverty rates. Contact your state networked middle school with no need the developer will pay off Congress education agency to ask when and how for additional school-construction the $11 million school construction cost the program is working in your state appropriation. over 30 years in lieu of property taxes on and whether it can work for you. the apartment complex. So the apartment Public/private building generates tax revenue that If opportunity knocks ... Additional legislation proposed in 1998 partnerships offer a source of funds otherwise would not have been available, has been aimed at freeing billions of that can substantially reduce the need which pays for a new school that otherwise additional dollars for school-facility for public debt financing. Not every would not have been possible. renewal. For up-to-date information school has the opportunity to pursue on federal legislation related to school construction funds, call the AIA, (202) 626-7384. If you've gone Stretch your bond dollars. through the long, laborious procedure of getting voters to pass a general obligation bond for schools in your district, you know how precious every dollar).,s. Use it wisely. 'Rural Rutherford County, N.C., for example, passed a $24 million bond in the early 1990s to replace its 75-year- old high school. The new school was completed for $22 million. The county also needed an upgraded middle school for 675 students, projected to cost $6 Taxes from apartments (background) on former school land will pay for this new school. to $7 million to build new. The designers were CHK Architects and SVERDRUP Facilities Inc. REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS 4 BEST BLE PY AVM THERE ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE EAGER HELP You TO There are highly experienced architects a quality architect" he wrote," is essential and other professionals working in or to a successful building project." near your community who know what Savings across the board from a well- works and does not work in getting designed building translate into real funding, where to put critical activities money to invest in faculty, supplies, and to create the best possible learning improved learning opportunities for environments, studying life-cycle cost students. The entire community considerations for energy and benefits from a school improvement maintenance efficiency, purchasing plan under the guidance of an materials and systems, and getting experienced architect. Other people high-quality construction. who can help you include: A key person on your school-improvement team who is professionally bound to Your state school agency: There are State school agency staff know how trained, informed people at the state serve in your best interest and has the regulations apply to you. capital who can answer your questions education and experience to guide you on the state school construction program through the entire process is your bond referendum and assembling a and availability of funds, how you go architect. Brad Colwell, assistant professor about applying for them, qualification planning, design, and construction team. of educational administration at Southern requirements, and applicable laws. They Illinois University, emphasized the or refer can also explain the process importance of this expertise and client Community groups: One of the most important tasks in improving school you to someone else who can duty in the March/April 1998 Illinois on petitioning and campaigning for a local systems is engaging the community and School Board Journal. "The selection of earning the support of the people who, in all likelihood, will be voting on whether to pay the lion's share for the improvements. Families with children have to believe that the effort and expense The experienced architect works closely with school representatives to determine the needs and desired outcomes, plan the budget and schedule, design a school that matches expectations and fits the context of the community and site, and monitors the progress of construction. He or she may be able to help you move in and operate the facility and keep The contractor is another important team it in top condition. member monitoring quality, cost, and schedule. REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS 2 AN EXPERIENCED ARCHITECT ENHANCES VALUE will improve the K-12 learning environments. People without children in K-12 schools will want to understand the value to them of school improvements. Your local elected and appointed officials: The value cannot be overstated of close communication among school- improvement groups, the school board, and the town or county council to get the process started and keep it moving. Well before construction begins, careful planning and design ensure that the value of The input and experiences of these every school dollar is measured in benefit to students and community. individuals will save considerable time and effort for a PTA or other group The cost Finding an Experienced Architect. of predesign planning and site-specific advocating school enhancements. design represents significantly less than Bankers: Knowing what kind of one percent of the total cost construction of a building. Thus, a information you will need to assemble and life-cycle and in what form is crucial for securing design carefully suited to the specifics of use, site, available infrastructure, and financing at the best possible interest climate will pay for itself many times rates. Bank officers can advise you on the school district's bond rating, the over in energy savings and reduced operation and maintenance costs. The pay-back term of the bond issue, the strength of the bond market, and the flexibility and life-cycle cost savings of fitting design to site and intended use is availability of underwriters. a compelling reason to hire an architect rs and Managers Association Sources: Bui /din based on experience and ability. Engineers: Engineers are the specialist experts. They work closely with the A good architectural design will save Because architects provide a vital architect and advise on elements such enough in lowered energy and as structural soundness, mechanical professional service, many states maintenance costs over the typical 40- require qualifications-based selection equipment, electrical loads and supplies, year school life cycle to pay for itself connections to water and sewage, road (QBS), which requires selection on the many times over. Further, as this chart building, heating and air conditioning, basis of design-team experience. By shows, a design will reap enormous basing the selection on quality rather and fire-suppression systems. savings if it increases staffing than who is the lowest bidder, public efficiency. Maximizing passive entities get more value as their schools Developers: The best way to find out observation of student activities, thus which are likely to have a 40-year if there is a possibility of a public/ requiring fewer security-related staff, is private partnership is simply to ask are conceived and created. lifespan an example, as is bringing in healthful a few developers. fresh air and daylight, reducing faculty Architectural services go well beyond absenteeism. Money saved in operating producing the design documents. At the Lawyers: You may wish to consult with buildings means more resources for outset of a school-improvement project, one or more lawyers concerning deed teaching children. an architect on the planning team helps searches, liability issues, advice on your focus preliminary ideas on real-world insurance and other contract negotiations, issues. Architects also can serve the help with bond referendums, and, client by administering the construction essentially, anything that involves the law. contract (watching the construction and payment schedules and making site visits to see that what was planned is what gets built). REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS 3 6 TIME AND MONEY O P T I O N S Y O U C O U L D S A V E T H A T S O M E Connected to designed facilities over the life of the In some instances, architects can help Schools that enhance learning. but far beyond the realm of construction school, especially when you consider you save time and money by using and operating costs is the importance prototype plans or a kit of parts. The the low quality of the learning environment. of schools that enhance learning. Every strategies are similar. facility-related dollar saved is a dollar Another point to consider is that, as the earned for teachers and teaching tools. North Carolina experience has shown, Prototypes are construction documents prototype designs many times do not School spaces designed to maximize an architecture firm has created with site adaptability in mind. Often one or more schools based on the prototype design have been built, which you can 1Netsceper DPI Clearimshou EI,E1 El I WI Fin. t1=n1=11111172131 I, brans L Cvon 1 Orin< FORO., 1,136.1ead look at. The architect keeps those plans .na../elloorinphouse/righ,htm.top Lootion ore. Ounter< I Ian,. Oonrd Aeol. Corn ot.il Pm. Peed Lie. I, Not on file as one option for future clients. I A kit of parts involves plans for a set of modules (e.g., auditorium, cafeteria, school rooms, storage areas, and labs) Elerniry that can be fit together as needed to CZ:nrel Aeseribly direoct;s2heetairs, Board of Education to Scho6iS piesoxype design inita construction of ochoriffecilinea. This system is expectmeeNo reeur coan create a fairly standardized, yet still btrsmaderin.7.7:; aavirir tun.dt time/ soling I:t.hec der Inda.hasen.; of.schorzl.coorutruct.io.njort sod deNign. site-specific design for a school. gositriek ,, ., Elementary Schools rulaxua (.01.10.0 Please r] LBE sc hacirs- - Ilemdaory_ElneDatety S.a I ". 1 C7:1 I , . . . I . - . I .- _ J. Any prototype plan or kit of parts must Lee County - 650 students . . - .1 .,-__1_ .....,1-,,,.......,,t......-......., Dove-Knight GS Asoocienio ........J1.,..^.11.....-11.....-,11 -1 be modified to adapt to local terrain, grantee,' ElerarotarySchni SQ Middle/Junior High Bch n T174 soil, north-south orientation, traffic flow, q Floor Pim !Site Pim I Photo -View I Proied Main Pen art`hr"Conk-Mi.!VrI) studs t..51,,rma1m., Wager Ftobbo Callahan de and availability of water, sewer, and 1 High Schools utilities. Both are created to be highly '''iidar."4.7': rix47. Fa Schools -, I 9 ctcirzsn HOPSJJAITM...40.1171, EIernSóry flexible for site adaptation. 15111.c7a rogrypo,L....... CHEFtCR7Z-FFIvIAN AR Sc,......rls L.7...,..=.......Nraca.., School Planning Linke erliovirirealog.l.. Other Schools Publi,eiions and I North Carolina is one example where guidelines rli...... sChc;ols, irbool nlennng Servkes prototype plans have been used `t u(n.enz na aglag.21c.4.5.11153152.11Q4Z. ,C.... =fton Inionnex.n :OS' h successfully. School boards in the state r=l, Pular. Linke .....Zel I i o I I.C.11.d. may refer to a prototype clearinghouse CamiNale.4....ans: inana- .estsrenenseeeneeeeem4 Idwansom__Ansmessusulicam the North Carolina General Assembly IIIWItvaas I .........Z.74.7112 Schools," North Carolina's board of education e..... VOE.........,.. directed the State Board of Education I P10.1,0.1.1.11.,... W 15..11/.....11. created a Web site for school officials to tht. IL"."."'a to set up in 1996. It is Web accessible ahlita...15.1. 17.C.spir1=111:ral 4321duci browse possible prototype schools. If they gleelgoankcia Nees, 7Frirerseneu. (www.dpi.state.nc.uslclearinghouse). If 0..P.C..... ..^Qaz.cet T.L....g...,10.../.21........ I. find a school that suits their needs, they IN...Ws school officials find a design they like, contact the architect to help them turn they can contact the architect of record vision into reality. who retains the copyright to the design as well as the professional liability associated with using the documents. efficiency in circulation, access, and offer the economy of scale for This system realizes some savings in multiuse allow more time and energy renovations or additions that they do time and money through economies of for learning activities. Classrooms for new construction. In Chicago, on scale. And the architect is still involved, designed for a particular school the other hand, with its higher providing the services you need. district's computerization plan will concentration and relatively consistent allow precisely the wiring, lighting, and building materials and methods, What you want to avoid is the temptation configuration of spaces that will work prototypes have proven an efficient way to use stock plans without professional right the first day the school opens and to renovate building systems such as services or simply buying "temporary" throughout the facility's life cycle as roofs and windows (where the need for classrooms. These quick-fix approaches technology and needs change. renovation is often the greatest). seem to be cheap and efficient. The cost is actually much higher than architect- BEST COPY AVAILABLE REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS 4 7 DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR PLANNING SCHOOL A A esteem, security, comfort, and prosocial STRUCTURAL CONDITION ABOUT THIS GUIDE behavior. Sixty percent of U.S. schools need The success students have in school extensive repair or replacement of at Parental involvement is related to the measured in terms of high test scores, condition of school buildings and least one major building system, such as low truancy, employment rate, close a roof or boiler. student achievement. parent-student-faculty interaction, or whatever scale you may choose is Almost 14 million students were How much instructional time is lost or affected by many factors, including the compelled to attend school in buildings compromised as a result of building- quality of instruction, instructional time regarded as below standard or even related problems? and materials, parental involvement, dangerous. and how students feel about school. Are students more likely to be absent The very fact that you are talking about Students in out-of-date schools scored when they are compelled to attend the educational welfare of your children 5.3 percent lower on standardized tests schools in poor condition? as parents, teachers, and community (after controlling study results for is an indication that and neighbors socioeconomic status). Are parents less likely to move into your school system is on solid footing. neighborhoods where schools are The quality of facilities may be related perceived to be outdated or It is a daunting task to discuss how to student attitudes toward school, self- deteriorating? learning is affected by physical factors such as building age, ventilation, visual factors, color of interior of facilities, amount of space, design of space, lighting, site size, building use, building maintenance, special instructional facilities, school size, site location, security features, access for individuals with disabilities, and aesthetic appeal. To make the task more manageable, this guide sets out six elements for discussion: structural condition, environmental quality, size and capacity, safety and security, site location, and symbolic value and aesthetics. Facility performance goals are certainly Carrick High School, Pittsburgh, (Hayes Large Architects): The Carrick High School in important. Always keep in mind, Pittsburgh faces problems familiar nationwide. Access and circulation need to be though, that student achievement is the brought up to Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Windows need to be replaced central concern. and made energy-efficient. There are exposed pipes in the dimly lighted corridors. Classrooms need to be rewired for computers. Space use is inefficient, and there is a critical need for storage space. The school has commissioned Hayes Large Architects to provide planning and design for a $27 million addition/alteration that will add 38,000 square feet to the existing 192,000- square-foot school to bring it up to a level that supports the rising standards of the curriculum. The new design accommodates state-of-the-art laboratories, computer laboratories, and classrooms. A fiber-optic main cable will support six computers per classroom and 25 to 30 computers in specialized business and math classrooms. The architect is specifying environmentally safe cleaning products and energy- conserving building materials. REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS 5 DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR PLANNING SCHOOL A A SIZE AND CAPACITY ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Desks for individual students are being The ideal high school size seems to Consider air quality, thermal replaced by work stations and furniture range from 400 to 900 students. factors, lighting, and noise level. appropriate for cooperative learning Students tend to learn less in smaller schools and considerably less in larger groups. Most states report inadequate schools. HVAC systems and lighting An array of spaces of various sizes may as the key environmental problems include central gathering places; in schools. The primary thermal To create a sense of "smallness," many presentation arenas; work spaces for problem is cooling, not heating. large secondary schools have subdivided groups of different sizes; quiet areas for into "houses," each with its own student one-to-one learning sessions; Be alert for tightly sealed buildings, body, faculty, and administrator. independent-study nooks; and offices use of allergy-promoting floor where teachers can test and counsel The typical high school contains about coverings, and toxic emissions 150 square feet per student, the typical individuals, organize individualized from cleaning fluids, paint, and study programs, or phone parents. junior high about 130 square feet, and other frequently used substances. the typical elementary school about 110 Computers are reducing the need for There is a relationship between the square feet. large libraries and increasing the quantity and quality of light and importance of networked access in visual performance. The quality of The relation between small class size classrooms or satellite computer labs. light is related to brightness, width (fewer than 20 students) and higher student achievement is strongest in first of spectrum, and glare. through third grades. Especially in multiuse schools that include community services, consider Exposure to full-spectrum lighting, offices for social services workers, The traditional one-size-fits-all such as daylight, has been associated clinics, and community centers; open with better school attendance, classroom is becoming obsolete. Special school-based libraries and computer areas may be appropriate for music, greater concentration, more positive labs for adults; day-care centers; parent physical education, vocational moods, and better scholastic education facilities; and special education, home economics, laboratory performance. reception areas. Such spaces encourage sciences, foreign languages, and parental involvement and volunteerism. mathematics. Effective teaching is partly a function of acoustic design. Open-design schools don't provide the acoustic privacy necessary for student-teacher communication and student concentration on assignments. Especially for schools built in the late 1950s to mid-'60s, asbestos may be present in insulation, ceiling panels, floor coverings, lab surfaces, and concrete. Abatement will be necessary before renovation work begins. Computer work stations are taking the place of rows of desks, as in this Rutherfold County, N.C., middle school ig Roney Architects. REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS 5 DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR PLANNING SCHOOL A A Collins Middle School, Salem, Mass. (Earl R. Flansburgh + Associates Inc.): Salem, Mass., consolidated its two middle schools into one in a 150,000-square-foot former high school, which was fully renovated and expanded with a 90,000-square-foot addition. The school serves 1,100 students as part of a comprehensive $39 million program. To reduce the impact of such a large scale, the school is divided into three separate components ("wharfs"), each accommodating sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Architect Earl R. Flansburgh + Associates, Inc., gave the school unity through the centralized library/multimedia area (right). "The architect 41/0P._ really got the point that we wanted the media curriculum to be central," said Coprincipal Mary Manning. "Each wharf is tied together A II with the two-story square midbuilding, with full access to storage, magazines, everything." REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS 1 0

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