Research Correlates School Conditions with Student Achievement

In November 2002, the National Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities published a report linking various school conditions, including air quality and temperature, to student performance.

The Clearinghouse study is one of the most detailed studies on school conditions to date. The connection between facilities and student achievement, although asserted by educators, has rarely been documented by researchers, but there have been two other recent research reports. The New York Times reported ("The Feng Shui of Schools" by Kate Zernike, Aug. 5, 2001) on research that has found certain school design features can promote teaching and learning and improve student behavior. More daylight, noise abatement, the color of walls and even seating arrangements apparently affect test scores and help students learn faster, according to the article.

See also "Daylighting in Schools", a report prepared for the California Board for Energy Efficiency.

Prepared November 2002