Research reveals poor condition of many schools

Research by the U.S. General Accounting Office in the mid-1990s (GAO 1995, 1996a, 1996b) found that about half of the schools reported at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition.

Later research by the U.S. Department of Education (2000) found similar results. Nearly half of the schools in this study also reported at least one environmental factor in unsatisfactory condition: Ongoing research has continued to corroborate these findings. For example, a recent review of air quality in schools revealed that inadequate ventilation, excessive levels of carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, bioaerosols, bacteria, dust mites, and animal allergens are common (Daisey, Angell, Apte 2003). Conditions such as these pose both short-term and long-term threats to children’s health and productivity and may translate into health-care costs as well.

Courts and the U.S. Congress have recognized that high-quality learning environments are crucial to educating children well.  (Pauley v. Kelly, 1982; Edgewood Independent School District v. Kirby, 1987). In passing the Education Infrastructure Act of 1994 (an Act that was never implemented), Congress recognized that “improving the quality of public elementary and secondary schools will help our Nation meet the National Education Goals.”

A Team Approach to Safe and Healthy Schools

A team approach to safe and healthy school environments is critical. Administrators, parents, staff, neighbors, students, health-care providers, and others need to work together. In particular, people need to collaborate across different professions, disciplines, and administrative boundaries—cafeteria personnel and custodians, science teachers, coaches, principals, and bus drivers. Teachers have a special role: They not only teach but theyalso model attitudes and behaviors for students. Teachers can take the lead in promoting safe and healthy school environments by learning about them, taking steps to prevent or control hazards, and demonstrating to students the importance of these initiatives.

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