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Goal

My goal is to transform my classroom to create a unique learning environment that is welcoming, open, innovative, and above all effective. I am looking to purchase multiple seating options in order to optimize the space in my room for cooperative learning, while providing myself and my students the flexibility to rearrange our learning environment to meet the needs of each lesson.
I strive to push my students past their limits on a daily basis with rigorous coursework, ever-evolving methodology and by challenging their preconcieved limitations of what they can achieve. One of the most effective strategies I implement to break down student barriers and keep the classroom fresh and engaging is flexible seating. Flexible seating refers to mobile seating arrangments and equipment versus fixed, as in most traditional classrooms. According to Yale’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, “More recent research also suggests that students tend to prefer more flexible seating arrangements.” The center promotes flexible seating in their college courses, but acknowlege the difficulty in creating a flexible classroom with traditional classroom furniture.
Many schools are encouraging flexible seating, but there is one major barrier: the cost. Schools have heavy permanent desks that make it difficult for teacher and students to rearrange the classroom on a frequent basis. Some schools are taking the leap and dedicating funds to new materials. District 54 in Chicago is one of the areas that is embracing flexible seating. According to the Chicago Tribune, “Research has shown that achievement results increased for students when classroom design was adapted to create more engaging and welcoming learning environments.“
I currently have 12 large wooden tables that can only be arranged in 2 or 3 different ways. It generally takes me around 30 minutes or more to rearrange my classroom. I do not like students to help because the furniture is heavy and I am concerned about student safety. I will be able to attain my goal of optimizing my space for learning if I am able to offer students a variety of seating options.
After surveying over 75 students in seventh grade I have decided on the best seating options to achieve maximum success with my flexible seating vision. I plan on purchasing 2 high-top tables, 4 stools, 10 two person tables on casters, a couch, 2 armchairs.  

What will be done with my students

Year after year students will have the opportunity to learn in an environment that best suits their specific needs. Their classroom will be changed frequently to fit the specific needs of each activity. This will allow me to differentiate on the spot and add enrichment activities to the classes that need them, and revert back to other arrangements between classes for the groups that do not. I often feel frustrated and limited by my equipment and know that activities such as: Socratic seminars, line debates, tableaus, original student screenplays, and so many more engaging and high-level activities will be used on a far more frequent basis. I will be able to do these flexible, movement based activities two of three times a week instead of two or three times a month.  

Benefits to my students

This will benefit all of my students for years to come. In the past I have invested in a few flexible seating options and even when I purchase very inexpensive items they tend to last at least three years. So the amount of of students impacted would be at least 300. I teach advanced and Cambridge courses, but I often have groups that master material faster than other groups. I am unable to do many enrichment activities that have proven effective with these groups because I do not have enough time to rearrange my large heavy furniture between classes. With the new furniture I hope to purchase, I will have more open space, and it will take a few short minutes to move instead of 30 to 40 minutes. I expect the outcomes to be noticeable on a daily basis, as their engagement is always at its peak when I am able to flex the seating every now and again. I also expect to see my student’s scores to increase. It is very challenging to get high performing students to score higher on a test they have already done extremely well on. Having the ability to mold my classroom to their needs at any moment will increase my ability to serve those high level learners.
In addition, students with hyperactivity disorders or focusing issues tend to perform better for me when they have the chance to move around, or sit at a high top table. They can easily stand at a high top table, without distracting those around them. The benefits of flexible seating can be seen academically, emotionally, and socially for all students and I look forward to pushing my current flexible activities to the next level.  

Budget Narrative

These items will allow my students and I the flexibility to learn in an environment that can shift at a moment's notice to allow innovative group work, extension activities, and creative problem solving opportunities. It also gives us the flexibility to have a traditional desk option for testing situations or guest teachers. This would revolutionize the way I run my classroom for years to come. 

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