Reaching More Students through Collaboration

School:: Walton High School
Subject:: Low Performing Students
Teacher:: Kelley Stephenson
: Randi McKie
Students Impacted:: 90
Grade:: 9-12
Date:: September 27, 2022

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

The Alys Foundation - $1,489.33

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 100

Having these four whiteboard tables in my classroom has been lifechanging! First, my students love the flexibility this gives to our seating in the classroom. students benefit daily from the collaboration these desks provide. Second, as a teacher, I love the students can WRITE on the desks to review, brainstorm, and to document their new learning as we go. My English Language Learners (ELLs) who are learning English as a second (and sometimes third) language will use the tables as they costruct sentences. They also work math problems on the tables so we can see where they messed up and have an opportunity to correct themselves.

I can tell you that these tables and the flexibility they provide me and my students is elevating my teaching too. It is challenging me to use the tables more and give student more opportunities for collaboration. Students are the best teachers. These tables foster this in my students. I will surely want to fill my room with these tables and cannot wait to see how this will impact my up-coming students.

In the photos below, I had students review the novel To Kill a Mockingbird making connections between the characters. This was powerful. Some groups used color as an additional way to group. They were able to write and connect the characters on the tables. This allowed all students to be active and hands-on with their learning. Again, students are the best teachers!

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

To increase student collaboration by better organizing my classroom using small groups at tables instead of individual desks of varying heights.

What will be done with my students

Students will be grouped as needed to work collaboratively to find success in their learning each day. Some students may be grouped because they need further enrichment for the lesson they have already mastered. Other students may need to be grouped to work on what still needs to be mastered in the lesson. These groups will rotate and be fluid as the needs shift and change throughout the school year. The bilingual and/or ESE aides can also take small groups to the tables to work together in my room.

Benefits to my students

Students will be able to write on the top of the tables using Expo markers (and easily erase too). The whiteboard tops of the desks encourage collaborative work for the students. This will allow me to teach in small groups to reach more students - instead of working more one-on-one with students at individual desks. This will also provide for flexible seating for students - many students will benefit from this arrangement. The desks are also adjustable in height to accommodate my high school students. Each table will eliminate the need for four bulky student desks. I currently have 26 student desks: the purchase of these tables will eliminate at least 12 student desks from my classroom. This will allow for easier movement inside of my classroom and more options for organizing the room. For my English Language Leaners, they can practice their vocabulary, writing, grammar by putting the answers directly on the tabletops. It would in fact save paper by encouraging students to write on the erasable tops.

Budget Narrative

Four Cog Collaborative Whiteboard Tables will be purchased for $239.88 each (shipping - $529.81) for a total of $1489.33 projected to be spent.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Cog Collaborative Whiteboard Table	$239.88
2	Cog Collaborative Whiteboard Table	$239.88
3	Cog Collaborative Whiteboard Table	$239.88
4	Cog Collaborative Whiteboard Table	$239.88
5	shipping	$529.81
	Total:	$1,489.33

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