The learning curve: Edison schools and Ksixteen reveal new lessons in educational facilities...

One of the most compelling questions today is "What is the best way to manage schools and improve education?" Recent newspaper articles have focused on the controversy of school privatization. Moreover, the charter school movement is sweeping the country as many states enact or consider new

However, there is another story that is often overlooked: how private corporations can bring new skills to the difficult task of designing,

constructing, starting up, and maintaining educational facilities. Edison Schools, headquartered in New York City, is the nation's leading charter school manager, devoted to creating a network of schools with enlightened, efficient educational facilities.

In 2000, New York city-based Ksixteen was formed from the real estate department of Edison. Its mission is to provide a highly responsive and effective system for the design and construction, financing, and technology needs of schools, grades Kindergarten through high school. From 1997 to the present, this real estate team has managed part or all of over 135 school construction projects. Ksixteen is using a unique mixture of experience and innovation to deliver new solutions to the traditional methods of developing and managing schools. With projects worth over $300 million, Edison manages the education of 23,000 charter school students.

Chris Whittle, the founder of Whittle communications, formed Edison Schools, formerly The Edison Project, in 1992. Whittle and his team of education professionals dedicated the first four years of the company to comprehensive research into best practices in education, technology, and communications. "It features a longer school day, a longer school year, special subjects, a high-technology component for all students, a high degree of parental involvement, and a research-based curriculum in Reading and Math," says Joe Kenney, president and chief executive officer, Ksixteen, and executive vice president of development, Edison Schools. Extensive research was also done in architectural design to discover the components of a first-class learning environment.

Ksixteen is in the business of running schools for education management organizations, public school districts, and charter school boards. In Dallas, for example, Ksixteen and Edison manage seven schools for a public school system. The two collaborate with clients with respect to hiring, curriculum, technology, and real estate needs of a new school.

The majority of Ksixteen's projects have involved the modernization of existing structures, typically in urban areas. "We are much more sensitive to the costs of a project [than traditional public schools]. We prefer to make an old building new," says Kenney. Ksixteen is known for its "creative conversions," turning outdated schools, office buildings, retail stores, hospitals, even a Masonic temple into cost-efficient but high-tech learning environments.

The key to successful school construction is doing things on time and within budget. Ksixteen has created master specifications -- generic specifications, based on previous projects, to streamline the process. "We are taking the best practices out of those initial projects and incorporating those into this master specification," says Tom Gannon, vice president of construction and design, Ksixteen. According to Gannon, a typical document includes space requirements, drawings for each room type, a power and signal plan, and ceiling, equipment, and furniture plans. The specifications significantly compress the schematic design phase of a project for a local architect.

"Traditionally we are doing projects in one-third of the time that public schools are constructed. One of the ways to compress the design schedule is with a pre-programmed set of standards. It is a living document," says Gannon. The clients are a key part of the acquisition, design, construction, and financing process, attuned to every step of creating the schools. "They have a lot to say about what is included in the building and what's not," says Kenney.

In some economically depressed areas, the new schools serve as a valuable resource. "[An Edison school] provides a solid space that can be used by the community overall," says Adrian Morgan, Ksixteen's vice president of business development. In Albany, for example, the Edison school was designed to also serve as a community center. Many times, a new school can serve as an important piece in the revitalization of a neighborhood.

One of the things Edison is celebrated for is its enriched technology environment, inside and outside of the schools. Its extensive home connectivity program began with loaning computers to parents so that students could log on to the Edison server. Edison's connectivity programs mandate parental involvement. Adds Kenney, "It's a great way to build a bridge between the parents and the school." The program has since expanded to include free software for students' personal computers.

High-tech doesn't end there, however. Currently, Edison is experimenting with a wireless computer lab. In addition, the organization is working with a computer manufacturer to create a new student device, a cross between a laptop and a personal data assistant. Concurrently, Edison is launching a pilot program in distance learning with customized online content in Spanish and Science to supplement hands-on learning.

Another powerful application of technology is the use of simple online tests to benchmark student performance. Such testing gives the school administration, teachers, and Edison quick data on deficient areas.

Connectivity is crucial to Edison; schools constantly collaborate. "Every school is connected in our technology network. The schools see themselves very much as members of a family," says Morgan. Regional schools and separate disciplines have set up educational conferences.

The organization is also experimenting with a community technology model, where an IT group staffs a cluster of regional schools to reduce user support inefficiencies. Typically, Edison schools spend $500 per student on technology needs.

Kenney believes the movement has created space for more innovation than the traditional education model. Ksixteen's website, working with local architects and contractors, helps coordinate construction projects across the country and encourages flexibility in construction methods and design mentality. "[A] compressed timeframe, typically nine months from design to implementation, and creative build-outs, the concept of converting other use buildings to schools: These are the two main aspects of how Ksixteen functions differently in the marketplace and in education," says Gannon.

The people behind Ksixteen and Edison came to the education field to be a part of something important -- the ability to affect the lives of children in a positive way. Drawn by this strong mission, they are introducing something new into the world of education and educational facilities management.

Regina Raiford is senior editor at Buildings magazine.

RELATED ARTICLE: The Old and the New

Phoenixville, PA's Renaissance Academy Charter School was created in 2000 from the abandoned shell of a storage building on a college campus. However, the real creation of the school began with an idea.

A group of committed parents had an idea to form a fine arts-focused school They banded together and applied to become a charter school. The parents organized community conferences to develop their educational mission and create a strategy. After their charter passed, they hired Edison Schools to come in as an educational facilities expert. Parents were impressed by Edison's experience and the ability to be directly involved in the education process.

The simple, two-story, 23,000-square-foot brick structure chosen for the school needed a gut renovation and a total interior build-out. From the replacement of its roof and windows to the video/voice/data upgrades, the modernized building was made over to comply with Edison's high standards. Today, the school houses 672 students in grades K-6.

The 60-year-old structure held many challenges, including concrete pillars in the middle of every classroom. "There is no central focal point. Students and teachers have to move around to fully use the space," says Angela Padrnos, principal, Renaissance Academy Charter School. Though at first skeptical about the unusual classrooms, according to Padrnos, the space works for the students by encouraging communication.

Ksixteen and the local architect collaborated to maximize the original building's efficiency and bring in natural light. A new modular building was constructed adjacent to the original structure to house the school's upper grades. The new structure contains three classrooms, four reading rooms, a library/computer room, and office space. "I know more about construction than I ever wanted to know, and I have a whole new respect for that," jokes Padrnos. The event marked the first time Padrnos was involved in the frustrating and exciting world of a major construction process.

Although very different in architectural style, the two buildings complement each other. "They represent the traditional and the futuristic, but when you see the two buildings together they blend nicely. It is a mix of the old and the new," says Padrnos. Both buildings' computers are connected to each other and Edison's main server. Parents, students, and teachers use computers to collaborate and exchange information.

Sharing information is a key part of Renaissance Academy Charter School. The charter school board held numerous conferences, picnics, and socials to keep the community informed about construction and development plans.

The original idea of the parents to create an enriched environment with a strong liberal arts college preparatory program has come to fruition. "They wanted a small community, rich in the fine and liberal arts experience," says Padrnos. Even before the Renaissance Academy Charter School was completed, students were lining up to participate in its experimental environment. Now in its completion, many are benefiting from its success.

Giving Back to the Community

The YMCA has been involved with education since its beginning 140 years ago. The organization sought to build a school in Northwest Detroit with an emphasis on service Learning. "Service learning -- what you would call community service -- is teaching our kids how to give back to the neighborhood," says Miguel Thornton, principal, YMCA Service Learning Academy, Detroit.

The YMCA Service Learning Academy, which houses 1,092 students, was created with modular and traditional construction methods, An experienced contractor in a former life, Thornton was accustomed to the difficulties of the construction process. To handle any tumultuous community issues, the charter board reached out to the surrounding neighborhood; school administrators and teachers spoke to Local groups about the new school and its service mission. Today, the school is a source of pride in its community, generating good will through good works.

Among their good deeds, the YMCA's schoolchildren have rebuilt a local playground, visited nursing homes, and manned soup kitchens. The service learning time varies according to project and grade level. In addition to the service learning time, the school is devoted to high academic achievement and includes a longer school day and year. "There is a commitment there from students, parents, teachers, and staff," says Thornton.

Technology plays a large role in supplementing Edison's core educational values. Weekly online tests benchmark performance in core subjects. Over the Internet, parents can monitor their children's performance progress and communicate with teachers. Adds Thornton, "We have technology training for everyone." Computers are provided for parents with children in grades Three through Eight for as long as students are in school. Full-time teachers have laptops that can be used to work from home.

Professional development for staff is also a key part of Edison. Teachers are given up to two professional development periods during each school day to improve their skills. Courses include classroom management, first aid training, and mentoring. This year, the school is piloting a Wednesday University, a flexible program where teachers can receive additional training, improve efficiency, and even air grievances.

An attention to detail is behind the YMCA's Service Learning Academy's success. "At 7:30 in the morning, I am there for the kids. I like to meet them at the front doors, talk to them, and make sure they've got their heads on straight," jokes Thornton. Thornton is extremely proud of the community service mission of his school and the progress of his students.

Blast From The Past

"A blight on the urban landscape." That was how Principal Karen LeFever described Denver's Wyatt-Edison Charter School before its renovation. Built in 1887 by renowned Arts and Craft Movement architect Robert Roeschlab, the once grand structure stood decayed and neglected -- a haven for vagrants and criminals. As part of the overall rejuvenation of the northeast section of Denver, the community obtained a school charter and saved the historic building.

Area residents, working with the building owner, coordinated with Edison Schools to restore and update the facility. "This is a huge community story. The community rallied around the project -- not just local residents, but the greater Denver community -- and said they would take a chance," says LeFever. Funding for the project was achieved quickly through generous gifts from private citizens and grants. Edison Schools also helped with a portion of the financing.

In 1998, the tacky turquoise boards that had once covered the windows came down and a new school for grades Kindergarten through Six was born. The modernization restored Wyatt-Edison's former beauty. "When people walk in, it has such presence; it is grand; and you feel important and humbled," says LeFever. The modernization returned happy memories to long-time residents -- former students now in their 80's and 90's.

More importantly, it delivered a rigorous educational environment for a new crop of students in this economically disadvantaged region. Currently, the school is making significant gains in Math and Reading proficiency.

"There are so many pieces that are a part of that [improvement]: the community wanting a choice, Edison having a good design with technology and infrastructure, and having hope in the community. This community never lost that," says LeFever. Wyatt-Edison now has 660 students in grades K-8. An addition to the building has been constructed, and plans call for landscape redevelopment.

With an experienced teaching staff and a high-quality education platform, the school has a waiting list of 200 students. It is also a focal point in the rejuvenation of the entire area. Adds LeFever, "Wyatt-Edison is a phenomenal story. It is having a phenomenal success.