Photo courtesy of Mike Hutchens, Union City Schools Communications Director
By: Mike Hutchens, Union City Schools Communications Director
A select group of Union City Schools teachers and students are being heard loud and clear.
Audio enhancement systems have been installed in 20 classrooms on the three UC campuses in an effort designed to raise academic and overall student achievement.
The amplification aid has proven to be effective at improving standardized/achievement test scores in several systems around the country. Additionally, it allows teachers to move more freely about the classroom while also reducing vocal strain and voice fatigue.
Students also benefit from using the system, which has a detachable ball that may be “tossed” to them during class participation or when answering questions.
Director of Special Populations Laney Rogers and Technology Coordinator Jerod Howell were charged by UC Director of Schools Wes Kennedy to pilot the program. Every second-grade classroom, one first-grade class at the elementary school, and the entire new fifth-grade wing at UC Middle School has been equipped with the system.
A handful of teachers and students at the high school have also reported the positives of the system.
Schools using classroom amplification systems around the country have also reported significant decreases in teacher absences due to voice-related problems.
The initial responses have been overwhelmingly positive.
Among the feedback:
Beverly Dones – UC Middle School
“The audio enhancement system is a wonderful addition to my classroom. It certainly helps me (and the students) to be heard through the room, especially when my voice gets tired, and water doesn’t do the trick anymore.
“The system benefits all students, especially the ones who are hearing impaired or challenged. The ‘soft-spoken’ ones are heard clearly, and it helps their confidence. Students are less restless when the sound is directly above their head, thus decreasing the excuse of being unable to hear or pay attention.”
Abby Cruce – Union City Middle School
“It immediately gets my students’ attention. I use it every day during instruction, and it helps demand their attention while allowing the students in the back of the class to still feel as engaged as the students in the front row.
“It minimizes behavior problems, and I am able to get and keep their attention.”
Lindsey Hayslett – Union City Middle School
“I use it every day during whole class instruction. My students will remind me if I forget. They are much more attentive when I use it, and I don’t have to spend near as much time redirecting or getting their attention. I find that they are so much more focused on what I’m saying. They understand me better.”
