We all want the best for our children, and one of the most important ways we can help the next generation is by ensuring that they are receiving the highest quality education they can. But what if I told you there is an element to education that most people overlook when discussing ways to change education, even though it has been proven to improve behavior and focus, reduce disruptions and increase reading speed and learning capacity?

Though often overlooked, Research has shown that full-spectrum, cool white light is best for encouraging concentration in a classroom, so swapping out outdated fixtures for newer technology could be a great start to better classroom lighting.

Although fluorescent fixtures are popular in schools, the way they flicker (often imperceptibly) especially if a child has a visual impairment that necessitates a brighter environment. Try to position the lights (or the students) so that the task lighting is on the opposite side of their dominant (writing) side. This ensures that their writing arm won’t block the light, and distracting shadows won’t affect their work.

Teachers should try to avoid standing in front of lights or windows when talking, because these can easily distract or bother students. Though it can be difficult, students will focus and learn better when the teacher eliminates as many distractions as possible. And who among us hasn’t caught themselves drifting in a daydream out a window, whether interested in the topic at hand or not?

There are many programs and initiatives for better classroom lighting in place, though many are local to specific regions. Have you heard of any neat programs geared towards smart classroom lighting? Let us know in the comments!

I called on a Tuesday to get a ceiling fan replaced, they were able to get someone out to me just two days later, on Thursday. I was given a 2 hour window and received a call about half an hour before the electrician arrived to let me know he was on his way. The electrician, Sergio A., arrived just when they said he would, looked at the existing fan, and then brought up his tools, ladder, and drop cloth. He was very careful with my bed, which was right under the fan. He removed the old fan, checked the wiring, and assembled and installed the new fan. He was nice and professional and finished in about half an hour. I will absolutely call Electric Connection again next time I need an electrician. It was a small job but knowing it was done right gave me great peace of mind.