An assessment of the quality and educational adequacy of educational facilities and their perceived impact on the learning environment as reported by middle school administrators and teachers in Humble Independent School District, Humble, Texas

Abstract

This quantitative study investigates the adequacy and quality of middle school facilities in Humble ISD middle schools as reported by the primary users of these facilities, the teachers and administrators. These middle school educators also provide an assessment of the impact that these facilities have on the learning environment. This study also assesses the quality and adequacy of these middle school facilities through a purely quantitative evaluation conducted by an unbiased assessment team. Humble ISD is undergoing unprecedented growth at all levels and has addressed the burgeoning elementary and high school aged growth occurring in the district by constructing and renovating these facilities. At the middle level, however, new facility construction is occurring at a slower pace. The purpose of this research is to ascertain which factors in each of these six facilities have the greatest quality and adequacy and the impact that they have on the learning environment. Furthermore, it is the purpose of this research to provide valuable and practical data, to which Humble ISD and others can refer in developing future building plans, renovating existing facilities, allocating funds, and creating student centered learning environments. This study also investigates the relationship between what educators perceive as adequate and quality facility factors and their perception of the impact that these factors have on the learning environment. Finally, this study reviews any congruency or agreement between educatorâÂÂs perception of adequacy and quality and architect assessment of adequacy and quality. Middle level students are the most influential group of adolescents and it is important that we provide facilities that meet their very specific needs. This research will ultimately and positively impact the learning environment for these children