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Educational Specifications Resources

School Facilities and Educational Specifications.

California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 14030 and Section 14031a

California Department of Education, Educational Specifications: Linking Design of School Facilities to Educational Program (PDF) (Sacramento, CA: CDE, 1997).

Natomas Unified School District and DLR Group, Elementary School TK-5/K-8 Educational Specifications External link opens in new window or tab., Sacramento, DLR Group, 2015.

21st Century School Fund, 2011, PK-12 Public Educational Facilities Master Plan Evaluation Guide External link opens in new window or tab..

Questions:   Molly Stitt | mstitt@cde.ca.gov | 916-322-6249
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Recently Posted in School Facilities
  • The Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans (updated 10-Nov-2026)
    The Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans (LRFMP) was revised in 2026, with updated guidance on master planning for local educational agencies and Proposition 2 requirements for school districts applying for School Facility Program Funding.
  • Key Components of a Facilities Master Plan (added 10-Nov-2026)
    The elements of a typical facilities master plan (FMP) and guidance on what to include, how to organize the information, and why it matters, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
  • Conclusion (added 10-Nov-2026)
    A summary on master plans as living documents that reflect thoughtful educational goals and future planning, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
  • Education Programs with Specialized Facility Needs (added 10-Nov-2026)
    The importance of including specialized facilities in facilities master plans to meet the needs of educational programs and students with disabilities, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
  • Additional Considerations and Planning the Future (added 10-Nov-2026)
    Integrating sustainability, safety, accessibility, and climate resiliency into every stage of facilities master planning, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.

  • Appendix A (added 10-Nov-2026)
    A table of Facilities Master Plan Elements vs. Proposition 2 Requirements, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
  • Appendix B (added 10-Nov-2026)
    A summary of additional required elements per Proposition 2, from the Guide to Long- Range Facilities Master Plans.
  • Facilities Master Planning Resources (added 10-Nov-2026)
    Additional resources, facilities master plan (FMP) exemplars, and links to the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) Guidelines for the Five-Year School Facilities Master Plan, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
  • Introduction (added 10-Nov-2026)
    An introduction of the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
  • Facilities Master Planning Process (added 10-Nov-2026)
    Best practices for launching a facilities master planning (FMP) effort, engaging stakeholders, and long-term planning, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.