Back to school: A Fresh Coat of Paint Can Improve Quality of Thought

by: Bradley Hagen

August signals the back to school season, which will probably mean a renewed debate about how public education can be improved. But instead of looking for the one big thing that might make public schools better, maybe we should acknowledge that the health of public education instead relies on many small things. Among them is something so fundamental that it’s easy to overlook: a fresh coat of paint. Back-to-school time should spark parents and educators to think about school improvement. An interior and exterior repaint can go a long way in improving a school's physical quality, which may also impact the quality of the learning environment. Brightening the surroundings can brighten the quality of thought and improve the experience of students.

Deferred maintenance on school buildings can take a toll not only the building itself, but on the students who inhabit it. The quality of our daily surroundings can deeply influence the quality of our feelings and thoughts. Things as seemingly unimportant as peeling paint and cracked plaster can suggest a message that what’s going on there isn’t really important. Can students be expected to care when their surroundings portray so much public and administrative ambivalence? Poorly maintained schools surely encourage apathy among students. The shabby halls and classrooms send the message that learning isn’t a community priority. In such a campus climate, no one should be surprised when so many students fall behind.

People have long believed that the places we inhabit can affect our thoughts, moods and behaviors. Today, there is actually empirical evidence proving that it is true. Scientists are unearthing clues about how architecture and proper facility maintenance can promote creativity, keep students focused and alert, and lead to relaxation and social aptitude. Architectural design decisions such as the height of ceilings, the view from windows, the shape of furniture, the lighting, and yes…even the quality and color the of paint on the walls have a profound affect on the ability of students to learn. When looked at collectively, these things can help give students what they need to thrive.

Certainly, a fresh coat of paint won’t solve all or even most of public education’s problems. But perhaps the biggest enemy of education reform is the belief that because we cannot do everything to address the challenge, then we can absolve ourselves from doing anything.