The purpose of this study was to look at the possible influence the renovation process had on student achievement as measured by performance on the Standards of Learning (SOL) in the areas of mathematics and reading at the eighth grade level in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

For purposes of this study a descriptive research methodology was used to determine the possible influences the renovation process had on student achievement. To conduct such research, Standards of Learning (SOL) test scores in the areas of mathematics and reading, from middle schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia were used one year prior to the renovation process, during the renovation process, and one year after the renovation process. Depending on the complexity of the renovation, SOL test scores were collected from two to four years during the renovation process.

Demographic variables were analyzed to ascertain stability of the student populations over the period of time. Variables such as ethnicity, socio-economic factors, and highly qualified teachers served as demographic variables. These variables were used to control the status of each school student population over the period of the stages of the renovation process.

The main research question for this study was: Does the renovation process of a school building influence student achievement? This research question was supported by two sub-questions that guided the study. The first sub-question examined the differences in student scores as measured on the SOL assessment at the eighth grade level in mathematics prior to, during, and after the renovation process. The second sub-question examined the differences in student scores as measured on the SOL assessment at the eighth grade level in reading prior to, during, and after the renovation process.

Findings from the study indicated that a statistically significant relationship did not exist between the means of student scores when compared over the three stages of the renovation process, in mathematics and reading. A statistically significant relationship, however, was found when comparing the mean student scores in reading before and after the renovation process. Based on the reading findings, this study indicates that building conditions play a vital role on student achievement.