Studies have revealed that many classrooms have poor quality acoustics and that children are not always working in optimal classroom listening conditions. Because children primarily learn through listening, noisy classrooms can have serious effects on a child's ability to learn. Classroom acoustics are controllable by taking steps to reduce noise and reverberation. Parents must be aware of the potential effects of noisy classrooms on learning and help ensure that steps are taken to maximize their child's education. Teachers must be aware of the impact of poor classroom acoustics on their vocal health.

The Concerned About Classrooms Coalition is a group of organizations whose goal is to enhance the learning environment of millions of students and the vocal health of teachers in Canada. This CASLPA led group held a press conference on Parliament Hill in 2009 followed by a media briefing teleconference to address these important issues and to urge the federal government to show leadership in our children’s education by encouraging provincial governments to implement acoustical standards for Canadian schools.

(L-R) Maureen Clarke, Canadian Association of Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CAEDHH), Linda Walsh, president, Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA), Carole Willans, Candian Hard of Hearing Association, Chantal Kealey, CASLPA

Media Release

Speaking Notes

Video of January 16 Press Conference

Audio of January 23 Media Briefing Teleconference

Media Coverage

Backgrounder

Key Messages

Concerned About Classrooms Coalition

Online Forum - Discuss the Issues

Video and Audio Clips

Studies, Materials and Resources

Useful Links

If you have any concerns about your hearing, contact an audiologist. Audiologists are essential members of the healthcare and education team who are trained to evaluate and treat a full range of hearing and balance disorders.

If teachers have a concern about their vocal health, they should contact a speech-language pathologist. Speech-language pathologists are essential members of the healthcare and education team who are trained to evaluate and treat a full range of speech, language and voice disorders.

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