Standard Available for Improved Acoustics in Classrooms

Editor: Research has shown that even people with normal hearing sometimes have trouble understanding what a teacher says in an acoustically poor classroom. The situation is much worse for students with hearing loss. Here's a notice from the US Access Board about a standard for improved acoustics.

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April 2009

The acoustical performance of many educational environments is compromised by common design practices and factors, including building and finishing materials and HVAC systems, among others. A growing body of research indicates that acoustical quality significantly impacts the learning ability of children in both obvious and subtle ways. The effects are especially pronounced on young children, and those who are hard of hearing, have learning disabilities, or whose native language is different than English.

The Board, in partnership with the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), has been active in the development and implementation of design standards for improved acoustics in classrooms. Developed by the ASA's S12 Committee on Noise, which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), these standards provide acoustical performance criteria and design guidelines for classrooms and other learning spaces. A number of states, school districts, and other jurisdictions have adopted or implemented these standards (ANSI/ASA S12.60-2002, Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements and Guidelines for Schools) which are available free through ASA's website at http://asa.aip.org/classroom.html.