This speech addresses the impact of schools on teaching and learning, and explains the need to evaluate the following three influences of physical school settings: health and safety factors; ambient environmental factors; and curriculum-based environmental factors. Also addressed are the influences of school and classroom size, and the need for the school setting to be appropriate for the types of learning activities taking place. Concluding comments highlight the link between literacy, play, and the physical environment. A student user rating scale to evaluate classrooms is included. (GR)