Implementing Classroom Acoustics Standards Locally

by Cheryl Heppner

Editor: Continuing with our SHHH Convention coverage, this two-part article discusses classroom acoustics and how one might get related legislation underway. More thanks to Cheryl Heppner of NVRC for her great coverage of this presentation by Bennett Brooks, P.E., John Flanders, Esq., Mary Ann Long, and Matt Ciaglo, AIA

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This workshop was a work of art, with a number of fabulous handouts. Not only did the presenters have copies of their Power Point presentations, they also had resources. Check out:

1. "Classroom Acoustics: a resource for creating learning environments with desirable listening conditions" at http://asa.aip.org/classroom/booklet.html

2. Classroom Acoustics II: Acoustical Barriers to Learning by the Technical Committee on Speech Communication of the Acoustical Society of America--order copies from asa@aip.org; http://asa.aip.org.

3. The Quiet Zone, a publication of The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse at npc@nonoise.org; http://www.nonoise.org.

4. Five Fact Sheets in the Listening for Learning Series: The Importance of Good Classroom Acoustics; Will Our New Classrooms Meet the Standard?; Counting the Costs of Noisy vs. Quiet Classrooms; A Checklist for Classroom Acoustics; Retrofitting a Noisy Classroom

5. References to the U.S. Access Board website for information on ordering the standard for classroom acoustics and other materials on classroom acoustics, including a videotape, design manuals and a bibliography, at the Access Board's website: http://www.access-board.gov/publications/acoustics-factsheet.htm.

John Flanders gave the introduction and a vastly entertaining account of lessons learned in attempting passage of a bill in Connecticut and other experiences related to classroom acoustics. The title of his presentation was "Four Things Your Mother Taught You About Political Advocacy," which included: don't talk to strangers, bring something for your host, don't talk with your mouth full, and write thank you notes. The Connecticut bill to require acoustic standards for classrooms began when Mary Ann Long approached him. John noted that many results come from grass roots efforts by people with no political experience.

The political process in an important part of success. In Connecticut, John ("an old political hack") got the bill submitted and a friend got it attached to a bill. He laid out a blueprint for success for people who are not necessarily political animals.

- "Don't Talk to Strangers." Talk to the people who represent you, using the contacts you have to get started. Involve other people because they also could have key contacts. Volunteer for a politician; you don't just have to throw money to get heard. Watch the media reports to find out which politicians have an interest or history of supporting bills like the one you want. Use the media to get attention; you will be less of a stranger to people who have seen your name.

- "Bring Something for Your Host." If you approach the legislator with bill language already worked out, you've done their homework. Also give support information about why the bill is needed, its impact, resources and its cost. This helps give them a map of the minefield and can help make allies.

-- "Don't Talk with Your Mouth Full." When people advocate, they tend to get excited and talk about all kinds of things associated with the issue. A politician's time is limited and he or she wants to hear something concise. Use information that is memorable, like the Tennessee study that showed poor acoustics was linked to children being held back. Be prepared and have answers to any potential questions.

-- "Write Thank You Notes." At the end of the session, thank the legislator in as public a way as you can. This will make your politician much more willing and eager to help with the next issue you want to tackle. Some ways you can do this are to give an award or some exposure such as a photo op. Recognize staffers too because they do much of the hard work on an issue.

-- "A Few Things Your Mom Probably Didn't Mention." You should issue a lot of press releases so the media becomes familiar with you and the issue. They probably won't print the first or second, but on a slow news day, they might. Weekly papers will print more; so will "thrifty shopper" type publications. Take advantage of local access television. Some politicians have their own weekly shows and you can try to get invited to speak. Arrange a day at the Capital if you have a lot of support; get a room for a reception and/or fan out and visit representatives.

Part Two