"Sixty to seventy percent of a child's time in the classroom is spent listening", states Director of Education, Larry Hope, "We don't want our students to miss anything – sound amplification in our classrooms will make a difference for all our students."

"Students need to distinguish between what the teacher is saying and any other background noise in the classroom," Hope continued, "Students will be better able to focus and be attentive in class."

School board trustees approved the expenditure for sound-field installation, initially planned to be implemented over a four year period, using reserve funds.

"We are pleased to be able to support this initiative," stated Chairperson Karen Round, "And even more delighted that due to a lower than anticipated cost, we are now able to have this in all our classrooms within three years instead of four."

Amplified classrooms in TLDSB will promote a more inclusive environment for students of all abilities and needs, support engagement within the classroom, improve focus on the teaching message providing consistent access to messages taught in the classroom, and reduce teacher vocal strain. 147 systems will be installed in fourteen schools within the board between now and April 2012. More school classrooms will be added in the 2012-2013 school year with project completion slated for the 2013-2014 school year.

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