The following evaluation was done prior to new lighting being installed. The evaluation does not reflect the current condition of lighting in the classroom.
Evaluating CLC Infrastructure: Mark's Lighting
Below is an example of the information Mark gathered regarding the lighting infrastructure in his room.
Location
The lighting in the Mark's Team classroom is primarily ceiling mounted, two bulb, fluorescent lighting. There are two sets of three fixture track lighting in one of the rooms, and there are also two, single bulb fluorescent lights that provide desk lighting. One traditional incandescent fixture lights the entryway to the classroom, and two incandescent fixtures provide marginal lighting in one of the rooms.
Purpose
The purpose of the lighting in the Mark's Team classroom is to provide basic illumination to the classroom. It should also provide lighting for a variety of work areas and work types. The lighting needs to facilitate and not hamper computer work, paper work, and project work.
Parts
The main source of light in the classroom is ceiling-mounted fluorescent lighting. There are nine total fluorescent fixtures in the classroom. There are two sets of three fixture track lighting in one of the rooms, and there are also two, single bulb fluorescent lights that provide desk lighting. One traditional incandescent fixture lights the entryway to the classroom, and two incandescent fixtures provide marginal lighting in one of the rooms. The fluorescent light fixtures are the most complex fixtures. The main parts of these fixtures are the frames, ballasts, fluorescent tubes, and covers. The track lights are much simpler. They are made up of a track that allows the bulb fixtures to be mounted to the ceiling. The track also carries power to the light bulb. Finally the bulb is held in place by a simple screw fixture.
History
Located in State College, PA, The Centre Learning Community Charter School has been in operation since 1998. In 2003 the school moved to its current location. CLC's building was previously a church. The building dates back to the early 70s and has four classrooms, several break-out rooms, offices, and an auditorium. Mark's Team classroom is divided into 3 areas and is able to accommodate 27 students. Mark's Team focuses on project-based learning, and the classroom can be configured in a variety of ways.
The lighting in Mark's Team classroom is nearly 30 years old with the exception of two single-bar fluorescent lights and the track lighting. These fixtures have been installed over the last three year.
The lighting in Mark's Team classroom is nearly 30 years old with the exception of two single-bar fluorescent lights and the track lighting. These fixtures have been installed over the last three year.
Condition and Capacity
Mark's Team lighting is made up of two bulb and single bulb fluorescent lights, some track lighting, and some incandescent fixtures. All of the lighting works, but the fluorescent lighting fixtures are nearly 30 years old, and they show their age and several of the fixtures have broken covers. Where capacity is concerned, the lighting is sufficient but not optimal. Because the lighting is not well placed, there are dark spots in the room. Finally, none of the lighting in the room is able to be moved or refocused, and given the nature of the curriculum and classroom environment, more flexible lighting would be a good thing. Finally, the current lighting is not energy efficient.
Ballasts
One of the problems with older fluorescent lighting is that the ballasts begin to fail, and that is the case for the fluorescent lights in the Mark's Team room. According to CLC officials, on the average, two ballasts need to be replaced each year. Also, the older ballasts tend to hum and buzz which can be distracting if not annoying.
Covers
The plastic covers on the fluorescent lights have darkened with age, and this causes a dimming of the fluorescent lights. A number of the covers are cracked and damaged.
Placement
The placement of lighting through the classroom is not optimized to provide the best lighting coverage. In some locations, there are multiple lights while in other locations there are no lights. This contributes to the uneven lighting coverage throughout the classroom.
Ballasts
One of the problems with older fluorescent lighting is that the ballasts begin to fail, and that is the case for the fluorescent lights in the Mark's Team room. According to CLC officials, on the average, two ballasts need to be replaced each year. Also, the older ballasts tend to hum and buzz which can be distracting if not annoying.
Covers
The plastic covers on the fluorescent lights have darkened with age, and this causes a dimming of the fluorescent lights. A number of the covers are cracked and damaged.
Placement
The placement of lighting through the classroom is not optimized to provide the best lighting coverage. In some locations, there are multiple lights while in other locations there are no lights. This contributes to the uneven lighting coverage throughout the classroom.
Safety
In terms of safety, it is important to note that the current lighting does not provide the necessary illumination to prevent eye strain.
Grade
C-
Needs
The classroom requires updated fluorescent lighting. The placement of the lights seems to be fine. The fixtures need to be updated to a more modern design that provides brighter and more distributed lighting.
Recommendations
A number of recommendations can be made in terms of updating and modernizing Mark's Team lighting. Of course the main recommendation is to replace all of the lighting in Mark's Team classroom with modern lighting fixtures. Installing LED lighting would allow for better targeted lighting, and LEDs would make for a much more energy efficient classroom. A combination of ceiling mounted lights and desk lamps would allow for more flexible lighting and adaptable lighting arrangements.