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The Effects of School Building HVAC System Conditions on Student Academic and Behavioral Outcomes. EdWorkingPaper No. 24-1093

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Effects of School Building HVAC System Conditions on Student Academic and Behavioral Outcomes. EdWorkingPaper No. 24-1093
Language: English
Authors: Lucy C. Sorensen, Moontae Hwang, Marzuka Ahmad Radia, Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Source: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. 2024.
Availability: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 53
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Educational Environment, Climate Control, School Buildings, Well Being, Attendance, Student Behavior, Learning, Elementary Secondary Education, Public Schools, Correlation, Academic Achievement, Ventilation, At Risk Students, Child Health
Geographic Terms: New York
Abstract: There is growing awareness of the importance of school building environments for student health, well-being, and even educational outcomes. We ask in this study what role school building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play in shaping student attendance, behavior, and learning. In particular, we extract information from school building inspection reports and link them to education records for public K-12 schools in New York State outside New York City between the 2005-06 and 2018-19 academic years. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that improvements in school HVAC system conditions over time reduce student absence, reduce student suspension, and modestly increase student math and reading scores. Heating and cooling system replacements and reconstructions also increase student math achievement. We conclude that investments made now to improve school HVAC systems can benefit not only student comfort and well-being, but also enhance educational opportunity.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: ED672375
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:There is growing awareness of the importance of school building environments for student health, well-being, and even educational outcomes. We ask in this study what role school building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play in shaping student attendance, behavior, and learning. In particular, we extract information from school building inspection reports and link them to education records for public K-12 schools in New York State outside New York City between the 2005-06 and 2018-19 academic years. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that improvements in school HVAC system conditions over time reduce student absence, reduce student suspension, and modestly increase student math and reading scores. Heating and cooling system replacements and reconstructions also increase student math achievement. We conclude that investments made now to improve school HVAC systems can benefit not only student comfort and well-being, but also enhance educational opportunity.