Background A nationwide school infrastructure crisis. An October 2000 Department of Education study found that more than 60 percent of the public schools in every state need at least some repairs. Impact of surging enrollments . Between 1999 and 2009, public high school enrollment is expected to increase by nearly 9 percent. Overall, the report projected that enrollment in elementary and secondary schools will briefly stabilize between 2005 and 2010 before a rise that is expected to continue for the remainder of the century .
Studies document the link between school building conditions and student learning.
A 1996 study by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University found a significant difference in academic achievement between students in substandard classrooms and demographically similar children in a first-class learning environment. Similarly, a 1995 study of North Dakota high schools found a positive correlation between school condition and both student achievement and student behavior. A 1995 study of overcrowded schools in New York City found students in such schools scored significantly lower on both mathematics and reading exams than did similar students in underutilized schools. Inadequate infrastructure limits access to classroom technology . Access to technology is a critical part of a quality education.