The CPM Approach to K-12 Education

Most schools and the instructional delivery methods they provide are rooted in long established history and culture. Parents often say, "I received a good education the traditional way and if it was good enough for me then it is good enough for my children."

Not so anymore. Transformational changes in the way students of today learn and process information and the technology surrounding them are forcing school districts to rethink their instructional delivery methods and the design of school buildings. Distance learning and online classes allow a student the freedom to be somewhere other than in a school building while still receiving a quality education. Technology is breaking down the traditional cultural rigidity of the classroom and previous educational delivery methods. Even rethinking the grade structure within the school and how it fits individual students' assessment and progress is now being considered.

It is correct to assume that the goal of every teacher is to see their students graduate with good choices for future learning and are productive members of society. How to achieve that goal in the rapidly changing pace of technology is an issue that is embraced by some teachers and ignored by others. This is the cultural shift that must occur for students to be successful.

Tradition previously told us that learning took place only in classrooms or libraries. With today's wireless technology, learning can also take place in cafeterias, commons spaces, courtyards and any place throughout the building and grounds where students gather and collaborate. When students are "connected" access to learning surrounds them.

The cost of building and maintaining school facilities is the second largest investment in a school district budget; second only to salaries. Schools must be able to adapt and respond to the changes in program and instructional delivery that will inevitability occur over the 40 – 50 year life of that building. This is the cultural shift and transformational change that administrators and architects must recognize and embrace when spending tax payer dollars on capital improvements.

Unlike a for profit business, the success of a school district is measured by its student achievement. A school district's management of its capital assets must also be focused on improving student achievement. Providing the right type of space to meet a particular educational program is critical to a student's success. A school district that proactively manages its capital assets is being a good steward of its tax payer funding.

Capital Performance Management can provide services to help a district proactively manage their capital assets. Facility assessments for both physical condition and educational adequacy will help districts maximize asset value and control the risk of unanticipated capital needs.