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Best Practices and Resources

Best practices fact sheets and resources that support the school facilities planning, design, and implementation process.
Vision for California Public Schools

The California Department of Education envisions school facilities that enhance the achievement of all students and are learner-centered, safe, sustainable, and centers of the community.

The following fact sheets provide school board members, teachers, parents, and other interested parties a quick overview of school facility best practices. Detailed resources are available for those wanting further information. This Web page will be updated regularly with additional topics, fact sheets, and resources as they are published.

Chronic Absenteeism and School Facilities: Research and Best Practices for Improving Student Attendance
Essentials in School Facilities Safety: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Essentials in School Facilities Planning: Facilities Master Plans
Essentials in School Facilities Planning: Educational Specifications
STEM Learning Environments: Ernest McBride High School
STEM Learning Environments: Galt High School Biomedical, Engineering, Science, and Technology Academy
Sustainable Communities and School Planning
Flexible Learning Environments
School Facilities and Technology Integration
Guiding Principles

The guiding principles (PDF) are meant to be applied comprehensively throughout the school facilities planning, design, and implementation process. The order of presentation does not reflect any prioritization.

School Facilities Research Topic Sheets

School Facilities Reference Library

Questions:   Molly Stitt | mstitt@cde.ca.gov | 916-322-6249
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, September 10, 2024