KA-2166 (RP-91) -- Teacher Attitudes and Opinions on Air Conditioning in Schools (A Survey Conducted in the Vicinity of Portland, Oregon) ✓ Most Recent

Air-conditioned schools are being built in increasing numbers In many parts of the country. But despite growing evidence that there is often no economic penalty in building schools with full climate control many communities remain reluctant to air condition schools simply for greater student comfort. Evidence is accumulating, however, that an air-conditioned classroom also results in greater student achievement and improved learning. (1 ,2 3) School boards, in addition to considering such new evidence, will no doubt also recognize that teacher attitudes toward air-conditioned schools could become an increasingly slgnificant factor to be reckoned with when seeking to recruit new teachers. Similarly, the designer of climate control systems for schools will need to consider not only the growing body of information on various effects of climate control on both students and teachers, but also the attitudes and informed opinions of teachers and administrators both pro and con air conditioning in schools.

The survey of teacher attitudes described in this paper was conducted among the teachers in six schools in suburban communities around Portland, Ore.