Is there a link between cognitive functioning / learning / test scores and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in schools? Here’s what we know: there is a large body of research out there regarding test scores and IAQ. I’ll simplify the discussion by using the term “test scores” because test scores are more concrete than cognitive functioning or learning. Here are a few of the many studies on this subject. Green building rating systems typically address the importance of IAQ in schools.
If you’re only going to read one study on the benefits of green schools, this is a good one to read. This study links a lot of different sustainable strategies in schools and student success. Greening America’s Schools, was written by Gregory Kats, produced by Capital E and co-sponsored by the American Institute of Architects. http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=2908 .
One study often referred to is that done by Dr. Richard Shaughnessy, et. al. (Dr. Shaughnessy has served as Program Director of Indoor Air Quality Research at the University of Tulsa since 1987), and published in the Journal of Indoor Air (December 2006), and is titled Association Between Substandard Classroom Ventilation Rates and Students’ Academic Achievement. The study was done to see if there was a relationship between increased ventilation and test scores. It was discovered that indoor air quality had a significant impact on test scores. This study used data from 55 Fifth grade elementary school classrooms, with student performance based on standardized math and reading tests. Ventilation rates were calculated from CO2 concentrations. Other factors such as male/female ratios, free lunch program, limited English, gifted student percentage, absenteeism rate and ethnicity were all neutralized.
Basically when you bring sufficient outdoor air into classrooms you alleviate the concentrations of allergens, viruses, and toxins from things like art and science materials. Also if students are falling asleep in certain classrooms but not others it can be due to large concentrations of carbon dioxide. Common sense stuff but it seems school designers aren’t doing a good job of providing sufficient air flow in schools. (This also helps with what teachers report as smelly students coming into class after P.E.).
The study showed that increased ventilation rates had a significant impact on math and reading test scores. With a ventilation volume of less than 5 cubic feet per minute the mean math scores were 56.32 and the mean reading scores were 47.73. When ventilation rates were over 10 cubic feet per minute mean math scores were 64.46 and reading scores were 54.27. This represented a 14.7% increase in math scores and a 13.7% increase in reading scores with improved ventilation.
A 2002 study involved Charles Young Elementary School in Washington, DC. The school had increased the Indoor Environmental Quality in their school through a comprehensive program and achieved the following results: (Source: Healthy School Environment and Enhanced Educational Performance – The Case of Charles Young Elementary School, Washington, DC, Carpet & Rug Institute, January 2002.):
Reading scores at basic or above increased from 59% to 75%; math scores at basic or above increased from 51% to 76%; and school attendance increased by 4%: from 89% to 93%.
And you can check your school in this USA Today Special Report on pollution near schools: http://content.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/smokestack/index .
Shaughnessy study: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0668.2010.00686.x/abstract
Charles Young study: http://www.carpet-rug.org/pdf_word_docs/020112_Charles_Young.pdf
Kats study: http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=2908
I never really thought about the correlation between air quality and test scores but I can see how that can play a role. If there is poor air ventilation and students are falling asleep due to increased pockets of carbon dioxide, no wonder their test scores suffer. They are not alert and actively engaged in the lesson. I know when my body feels sluggish and my allergies are acting up, I have difficulty focusing and just want to be at home resting. You would think with the results of studies such as this it would prompt more schools to correct or install the proper air ventilation system. It's a positive for health and test scores; a win-win situation. (S. Ellason, TSU)
ReplyDeleteIt seems interesting that these that test scores and ventilation are link so significantly. I can see where they are coming from as I myself have found it difficult to study at home when I was in a stuffy room, so why would it be any different for students? I think that this and further research and confirmation of this positive test score relationship would prompt the state to make proper ventilation at least highly recommended in all new school constructions as it would benefit just about everyone it seems.
ReplyDeleteM. Nelson (TSU)
Of the most studied LEED certification criteria, indoor environmental quality (thermal comfort, air quality, daylighting, etc.), continues to show an increase impact on student achievement, health, and satisfaction. There are definitely studies that show no relationship, or mixed results, but predominately researchers are finding positive relationships between these variables. I too recognize the common sense approach to designing buildings to be more reflective of the elements that would be found in nature. Studies that find that more daylighting relates to taller children, better air quality relates to higher achievement, thermal comfort relates to satisfaction, etc., etc. It seems as though we need more of nature inside our facilities, but we have to pay more for things that are free (that is another debate).
ReplyDeleteAnyways, as McGuffey postulated in 1973..."The demand for resources to develop the effective school plant is always greater than those available for that purpose."
I think most people would agree with this without a scientific study. People always work better when there is not a bad smell in the room. Cleaner air just makes sense.
ReplyDeleteCGibbs(TSU)
Very interesting. The movement of air is very helpful. There is nothing like fresh air!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. I agree these are common-sense things but it's good to have the data to help make the case for really doing the work of looking at how to improve Indoor Environmental Quality.
ReplyDeleteThe bigger questions is, where do we go to fix the problem? When a building is finished and the air has been tested, how do they clean the air if it come out bad? I guess the contractor would have to address the problem?
ReplyDeleteCGibbs(TSU)
In the studies that I have read lately, indoor air quality is a big topic of interest. After reading the studies, I have been watching students who do have extreme allergy issues. There are instances when the classroom becomes stuffy and still. Those same students are the ones who are falling asleep and are less alert than usual. Would opening our door and using a floor fan on low help to move the air? Or would it stir up more allergens in the process. Cleanliness is very important also in our classrooms. Less than ideal janitorial staff makes a big difference also. Things to ponder and work on in regards to student achievement and daily productivity!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting information and I can see how it would be true. After reading the blog, I reflected on some of my students behavior and I recall that during allergy season or if they are uncomfortable in the room there is a differrence in their performance.
ReplyDeleteelewis( TSU)
Thanks for the thoughtful comments. CGibbs, yes there are steps a contractor should take to provide clean air. Schools should contact their contractors immediately upon noticing problems so each and every issue is resolved during the warranty period. The architect can help with any air issues as well. Barbara yes by all means open the doors and use a floor fan. If you have carpeted surfaces I think it would be best to put the floor fan on a countertop or table to circulate the air higher up rather than closer to the floor, where dirt accumulates.
ReplyDeleteThis article certainly struch a chord with me. A few weeks ago our roof collapsed. Prior to that, there had been some talk of "I think there is mold in this building." The final roof collapse forced our administration to not only fix the roof but investigate the "mold situation." Sure enough, mold was found.
ReplyDeleteNow that everything has been fixed it is amazing how the students are reacting to a new fresher environment and a bright new paint job.
Joseph Muscente
Manhattan College
Riverdale, NY
jmuscente.student@manhattan.edu
Thank you for the input about the use of a fan. Since reading this article I have overheard a conversation with my nephew and his mother. It was priceless. He was discussing the annoying smell that one of his teachers had in her warmer in the classroom. He complained that it gave him a headache. My nephew is in high school, and I am sure the odors are quite different than elementary students. Hearing his comments made me realize how the effects of room air fresheners are detrimental to student learning. In that particular class, I wonder how many other students are affected by the pollutant known as an "air freshener".
ReplyDeleteB. Irick (TSU)
We try to keep our students safe from known dangers. How do we protect them from dangers we don't know about or see? This blog is such a very interesting resource! My school is very old. I don't know if my school has it in their budget to fix issues about ventilation.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting to me because in my school with certain classes there aren't any windows for ventilation the only air they get is from either the air conditioning or from opening the door. To me fresh air is needed in order to enhance learning. This is a great article for all schools to read.
ReplyDeleteErin Menard Manhattan College
These are amazing comments, especially the roof collapsing. There are grants available to help with the cost of renovation. And yes, HVAC systems should all have ventilation that provides pre-heated/pre-cooled fresh air. If a student has a health issue from something the school provides, the school should be notified.
ReplyDelete