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Analysis of the performance of students in daylit schools

Conference ·
OSTI ID:379860
;  [1]
  1. Innovative Design, Raleigh, NC (United States)
The conclusions of a recent research project on the impacts of full-spectrum light on student performance and health prompted the authors to investigate the performance of students attending three daylit schools that were designed by their firm. The 1992 ``Study into the Effects of Light on Children of Elementary School Age: A Case of Daylight Robbery`` was conducted in Alberta, Canada by the Policy and Planning Branch of Alberta Education. Over a two year period, the study compared children attending elementary schools with full-spectrum light versus children attending similar schools with normal lighting conditions. The most striking conclusions of this study were: (a) the students in full-spectrum light were healthier and attended school 3.2 to 3.8 days more per year; (b) libraries with superior light resulted in significantly lower noise levels; (c) full-spectrum lighting induced more positive moods in students; and (d) because of the additional vitamin D received by the students in full-spectrum light, they had 9 times less dental decay and grew in height an average of 2.1 cm more (over the two year period) than students attending schools with average light. Here, the analysis investigates the relationships between elementary and middle school student performance and natural daylighting. The performance of students attending three daylit schools designed by Innovative Design for Johnston County Schools, North Carolina was analyzed and compared to the County school system as a whole and other new schools within the same County.
OSTI ID:
379860
Report Number(s):
CONF-960430--; ISBN 0-89553-211-5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English