PORTLAND, Oregon – Lightspeed Technologies, the trusted provider of classroom audio solutions, today announced the launch of the Lightspeed Learning Academy. The Academy will kick off with a complimentary, one-day professional development event hosted by Santa Ana (CA) Unified School District (SAUSD) on December 4, 2015.

The theme of the event is “Designing Collaborative Learning Environments for 21st-Century Learners.” Education leaders including SAUSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. David Haglund will lead large-group discussions and small-group breakout sessions.

“Dr. Haglund and his team at SAUSD are true innovators in designing collaborative learning environments. It is an honor to host the inaugural Lightspeed Learning Academy: Santa Ana to highlight their great work.” said David Solomon, Lightspeed’s Executive VP and General Manager of Learning Technologies. “We look forward to showcasing the best practices that empower educators with the tools they need to create interactive and engaging learning environments.”

Lightspeed encourages invited districts to send a core strategic team of three to four leaders to the Lightspeed Learning Academy: Santa Ana. These teams will leave the Academy with an increased understanding of collaborative learning, a clear action plan, and benchmarks for success.

Dr. Haglund’s keynote presentation, “Driving Instructional Change in the Classroom,” will explore how his district has created anytime, anywhere access to learning. “At SAUSD, we’ve made a commitment to giving students 24/7 access to learning resources and providing a personalized learning pathway for each student. To do this we have been very thoughtful about the path to driving this change,” said Dr. Haglund. “We are thrilled to host the inaugural Lightspeed Learning Academy and we know attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the impact a collaborative learning environment can have.”

In her presentation “Constructing Flexible Environments for the Contemporary Learner” Esther Wojcicki, the author of Moonshots in Education: Launching Blended Learning in the Classroom, will show leaders how to build environments where teamwork, problem-solving, and relationship management occur on a regular basis.

A guided tour of the Santa Ana Advanced Learning Academy will give attendees a first-hand look at the collaborative learning environment in SAUSD.

The Academy will be followed by a Learning Leadership Webinar Series, which will continue to conversation about how best to motivate, engage, and reach our students.

About Lightspeed Technologies

Established in 1990, Lightspeed Technologies is the trusted provider in classroom audio solutions. Our passion is to improve the listening and learning environment for every child. We believe strengthening the connection between teachers and students is at the heart of learning.

Lightspeed classroom audio systems allow teachers to speak in normal conversational tones while being assured that every child has an equal opportunity to hear all of the instruction. The no-installation Redcat provides clear, low-volume, highly intelligible sound that is evenly distributed throughout the classroom so every child hears every word. The company's audio system for small group instruction, Flexcat, gives teachers the ability to gain insights into small group interactions and learning. The Topcat has become the premier solution for new construction and renovations due to its ease of installation, wireless connectivity, and remarkable audio quality. To find out more information about Lightspeed classroom audio products, visit here.

About Santa Ana Unified School District

SAUSD is the sixth-largest school district in California, and the largest in Orange County. Approximately 60% of SAUSD students are English language learners, and approximately 91% of the student population is eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Our mission is to assure well-rounded learning experiences, which prepare our students for success in college and career. We engage, inspire, and challenge all of our students to become productive citizens, ethical leaders, and positive contributors to our community, country, and a global society. Find out more about the Santa Ana Unified School District here.