| How is EFEI used? |
The EFEI is scored using a simple, reliable system. Each feature on the EFEI list is designed
to be easily quantifiable so that this is possible. The assessor simply marks the item as
'present' or 'not present', and, for rare ambiguous cases 'somewhat present'. A total score
is generated that allows different schools to be compared with each other; however the most
important feature of the EFEI is its ability to help pinpoint specific areas where change is
needed.
Customisation
The EFEI can be tailored for the needs of each different community. Defining EFEI allows for
local environmental and cultural differences and aspirations to be respected and supported.
With the EFEI, it is possible to assess the appropriateness of existing school buildings for
providing 21st century education. In addition, it automates assessment of architectural and
interior design plans for new schools, thus providing an extra tool for clients to use in
assessing school building plans. It can also be considered as an appendix to design briefs
for new school developments.
EFEI is a powerful tool because it facilitates dialogue between designers and the school
community, enabling users to engage meaningfully over specific design features. It helps
school communities to identify and protect design features that support their educational
philosophy.
EFEI can also be combined very effectively with existing and new GIS systems to provide
“big-picture” cost-benefit analyses of educational facilities spending decisions.
Has EFEI Influenced Government Funding Decisions?
In almost every instance of its use, EFEI has informed government funding decisions. This has
happened in several ways. 1) The EFEI review has provided an objective assessment of a
particular school's educational effectiveness and thus helped determine its eligibility
for funding; 2) The EFEI review specifically identified the areas in which the physical
campus was deficient from a teaching and learning standpoint and helped focus spending on
those aspects of the school's building and campus that would directly benefit its educational
mission; 3) The EFEI review allowed the government to prioritize scarce capital dollars in
situations with competing priorities by allowing decision-makers to assess the “educational
bang for the buck” of spending decisions and allocate funds accordingly; 4) For already funded
projects, EFEI is providing a common framework that all stakeholders can use to determine the
most effective way in which those monies should be spent to achieve the desired educational
objectives; 5) For projects that have been recently completed, EFEI is providing a common
vocabulary to gauge how well the campus is meeting its educational mission while providing
low-cost or no-cost options to optimize its value from a teaching, learning and community use
standpoint.
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