This year we have continued to pursue bringing speakers to the College that we hope will inform both families and staff about key educational topics. In my last newsletter I asked you to make an advanced note regarding a speaker we are bringing to Scotch in August.
Ms Flexer, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Audiology at The University of Akron, Ohio, is the world's foremost authority in the science of optimizing listening conditions in classrooms and will present a seminar on August 5th at 6.30pm.
Further, Darren McLeod of Hear and Learn will offer contemporaneous training on how classroom sound enhancement technology works, and respond to questions of attendees about 'Lightspeed' brand technology and its use in classrooms in WA, Australia and the world.
Children in classrooms, whether or not they have a hearing loss, must be able to hear all parts of all sound sources in all learning spaces, irrespective of how far they are away from these sound sources. The auditory needs and expectations of today's children are higher and more sophisticated now as are their cultural and linguistic diversity.
If children cannot consistently and clearly receive auditory information in all of its forms, the major premise of the educational system is undermined - and that is what "acoustic accessibility" is about.
This presentation will explain, from a Universal Design perspective, how children "learn" to hear, and how acoustic environments affect their literacy achievement and academic progress. Strategies to achieve acoustic accessibility must recognize the fact that teachers, along with administrators, need to be given critical tools for implementation. Attendees will learn about successful strategies adopted by educators in other countries to improve education outcomes, create more inclusive learning spaces, and improve teacher welfare.
The role of the College in providing students and community access to external speakers is something we will continue to develop. Should anyone have any ideas regarding someone who could contribute to this programme as a speaker please contact my PA Mrs Purio via email to FEPurio@scotch.wa.edu.au
Have a great fortnight.
Dr Alec O'Connell