Other Applicants
Renee Welles, Speech Language Pathologist, ACMS
Krissy Commendatore, Speech Language Pathologist, Grant Adviser
Elizabeth Black, Speech Language Pathologist, NTS
School Site
Grade(s)
Number of Students
966
Grant Category
Grant Cycle
Fall
Description
To provide an optimal classroom environment for learning, as the numbers in classrooms continue to grow; enabling every student to clearly hear all speech components of the teacher's voice though-out the entire classroom.
- To improve student attention, focus, and listening skills.
- To improve the sound-noise ratio; reducing the need for repetition of instructions by the teacher resulting in improved student understanding. In the average classroom, a teacher's voice is approximately 4 dBA louder than the background noise. The American Speech Hearing Association reports that the optimal would be 15 dBA louder than background noise.
- To improve student comprehension of the core curriculum through soundfield amplification of information presented by teachers.
- To improve student achievement in all areas.
- To decrease teacher vocal fatigue and teacher absenteeism due to voice, jaw, or throat problems related to vocal over use.
- To improve student behaviors due to poor attention and listening skills that can result in off task behaviors.
Success of Program
The measure of success will be determined through several different avenues. Informal observation in classrooms, teacher interviews, teacher surveys both pre and post placement of the amplification systems, and through interviewing and student surveys. Additionally, analyzing formal classroom testing, statewide normed testing data, and tracking the number of referrals for special education services each year for those middle school students, focusing on the dates pre and post placement of the amplification systems.
Implementation
In order to implement placement and use of the Soundfield Amplification Systems in the core classrooms and support classrooms, at the middle school level should this grant be funded; our district, teachers and staff would have reliable and consistent support from a Classroom Audio Consultant, Karen Biondo, employed by Lightspeed Technologies, who is dedicated to customers in Northern California. TTUSD teachers and staff would be provided with:
Local representation and service
- Onsite system trained teacher representative
- Individual and group teacher training at no additional charge
- Consultations on integration of additional technologies
- Provide free workshops upon request
- Quick responses to classroom audio problems
Direct service and support from manufacturer
- Regional customer support representaiton by phone
- A fast turn-around on technical support
Onsite and online Training
- Access to internet-based training at teacher convenience
- Onsite training objectives to include: research and benefits of the use of classroom audio, ideas on incorporating the audio system seamlessly into the classroom maintaining indiviual teaching styles, the location and operation of all controlls, receivers, and receiver-amplifier, operation of microphones, charging, proper positioning of the microphone, connection of a personal FM system if needed, and simple trouble shooting guidelines
- Information and training on the use of peripheral technology with the system, i.e. computer, dvd player, television
Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?
This grant for "Classroom Amplification Systems" not only ties into my PLC-as a Speech Language Pathologist, it spans across the common goals of all PLCs at the middle school level in regards to student acheivement and teaching core curriculum state standards. The use of classroom amplification will help TTUSD middle school students prepare for the 21st century in being given an optimal acoustic learning environment.
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$3479.97
Other funding sources
Yes
Notes
An Excellence in Education Grant written by Krissy Commendatore, was awarded in 2011 for funding of the acquisition of Sound Field Amplification Systems for 16 first grade classrooms across TTUSD. The TTUSD Special Education Department also matched funds to equip all second grade classrooms throughout the district with the Soundfield Amplification Systems.
Comments
Corine Harvey, Director of Student Services TTUSD will match the amount, if this grant is funded by the Excellence in Education foundation.
Funding for this project could also happen in phases. For example, this year 6th grade classes could be funded, with grants being applied for in the following years for 7th, 8th, and 9th grades, or other funding combinations such as 5th/6th grade (NTS) and 6th grade (ACMS) classrooms. However, the company "Lightspeed" is generously giving TTUSD a volume purchase discount on the individual cost for each unit of approximately $180 for a volume of 45 - 50 units.