Standard Available for Improved Acoustics in Classrooms
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.
The Board, long active in the work of the ASA’s S12 Committee, recently became an official member. The committee includes representation from consumers, subject experts, industry, professional organizations, and other government agencies. Currently, the Board is working to promote adoption of the standards by model code organizations. The committee plans to revise the structure and format of the current standard to facilitate its incorporation into model building codes as a referenced standard. The committee also is developing acoustical standards for relocatable classrooms.
For further information, visit the Board’s website at
http://www.access-board.gov/acoustic/ or contact Lois Thibault at <thibault@access-board.gov>, (202) 272-0023 (v), or (202) 272-0082 (TTY).
