Aging Buildings, Lagging Results
It can be easy to ignore the impact of the school building when teachers and leaders are producing results despite the space. Thoughtful operations and maintenance professionals can keep the wheels on an aging building for a long time to avoid emergencies and noticeable flaws, but the longer buildings stay in service without the upgrades needed for modern learning, the negative impacts will multiply for students that exist in these buildings year after year. Consider these six areas where older buildings struggle to enhance and at time inhibit learning.
Decreased Student Engagement and Performance
Older school facilities often lack modern amenities that support interactive and engaging learning experiences. For example, traditional classrooms with fixed, outdated furniture can stifle student movement and collaboration, crucial for modern teaching methods like project-based learning and flexible seating arrangements. Research shows that students are more engaged and perform better in environments that support movement and interaction. An 18-month study in German elementary schools found that students with sensomotoric stimulation during the school day had significantly better test results. Older facilities typically do not support these dynamic learning environments, leading to decreased student engagement and lower academic performance.
Negative Impact on Health and Well-being
The physical condition of older school buildings often poses health risks due to poor ventilation, outdated HVAC systems, and inadequate sanitation facilities. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and increased absenteeism among students and staff. Additionally, older buildings may not provide sufficient natural light, which is crucial for maintaining students’ circadian rhythms and overall well-being. Proper daylighting in classrooms has been linked to improved student performance and health, reducing symptoms of depression and enhancing alertness and cognitive function.
Higher Maintenance and Operational Costs
Older school facilities typically require more frequent and costly maintenance. Aging infrastructure often leads to increased expenses for repairs and upgrades, diverting funds that could be better spent on educational resources and technology. For example, the U.S. spends over $12 billion annually on modernizing and maintaining school facilities, a significant portion of which is due to the aging infrastructure. This financial burden can strain school budgets and limit the resources available for enhancing educational programs and student support services.
Inequitable Learning Environments
Schools with older facilities often face challenges in providing equitable learning opportunities. Modern educational strategies emphasize the importance of flexible and adaptive learning environments that cater to diverse learning needs. Older buildings, designed for traditional, lecture-based teaching, may not accommodate various learning modalities such as collaborative projects, one-on-one instruction, and hands-on activities. This can exacerbate educational inequities, particularly affecting students with special needs or those requiring more personalized learning approaches.
Lower Teacher Morale and Retention
The condition of school facilities can significantly impact teacher morale and retention. Educators working in outdated, poorly maintained environments may feel undervalued and unsupported. Modern, well-designed facilities can enhance teacher satisfaction by providing functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that support effective teaching practices. For instance, flexible classroom designs that include comfortable seating and advanced technology can empower teachers to implement innovative instructional methods, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention.
Safety Concerns
Older school buildings may not meet current safety standards, posing risks to students and staff. Issues such as asbestos, lead paint, and outdated electrical systems can create hazardous conditions. Additionally, older structures might not be designed to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes, putting occupants at risk during emergencies. Ensuring the safety of school environments is paramount, and outdated facilities can compromise this essential aspect.
We can struggle to identify and address areas of concern that aren’t presented as a crisis. We are better at fixing things that are obviously broken than crafting preventative or restorative solutions. These statements hold true around our efforts to maintain, update, upgrade and redesign schools. The buildings are dragging down potential successes, and we need to continue the conversations around how we can allow where kids learn to support their hard work and focus on learning.
