School Facility Conditions and Student Academic Achievement

This review of the evidence demonstrates that the condition of school facilities significantly impacts both student performance and teacher effectiveness. Research indicates that comfortable classroom temperatures and noise levels are crucial for efficient student learning. The age of school buildings serves as a useful proxy in this context, as older facilities often face issues related to thermal environments and noise levels. Numerous studies have assessed the overall condition of buildings and their relationship to student performance; these investigations consistently reveal that students in well-maintained schools outperform their peers in substandard facilities by several percentage points. The condition of school buildings also affects teacher effectiveness, with educators stating that physical improvements significantly enhance the teaching environment. Additionally, overcrowded schools hinder students’ ability to learn, with this effect being more pronounced among students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Analyses reveal that reducing class sizes leads to increased student achievement.