School design and supervision
Although most school teams do not have the luxury of designing a new school, school design features contribute significantly to safety. Redesign and renovation are also opportunities to improve school design and facilities and should allow for handicapped access (a mandate under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.) Whenever possible, school design, redesign, and renovation should allow for:
- Teaming (Buildings are clustered in “pods” to accommodate small learning communities for student bonding and professional learning communities among teachers.)
- Supervision (Staff members can supervise unobstructed hallways, restrooms, and playing fields at all times from central viewing areas or through security cameras.)
- Adequate lighting, air quality, and water faucets
- Developmental responsiveness (The school design includes areas for art, drama, music, recreation, and socializing.)
- Academic excellence (Classrooms are equipped with technology, smartboards, phones, projectors, computer labs, and library media centers.)
- Appropriate management of public access. For example, all visitors during the school day enter only through the main reception area. The school and district develop policies and procedures that allow for the safe use of facilities by community groups.
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