In middle school, students—especially those in special education—often face significant challenges with self-regulation in the classroom. This can manifest as difficulty sitting still, focusing on tasks, or adhering to traditional classroom routines. For these students, a standing desk equipped with a stool and a kickstand can offer a practical and effective solution to help manage their needs without disrupting the learning environment. Standing desks provide students with the flexibility to stand and move as needed, offering a sense of autonomy and control over their learning space. The inclusion of a stool and a kickstand allows students to alternate between standing and sitting, while the kickstand gives them an outlet for movement. This setup supports their need for physical activity, helping them to stay engaged and focused on their work. In many cases, students with self-regulation challenges have accommodations outlined by the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee that include movement breaks as a key component of their learning plan. These breaks are essential for helping students reset and refocus, but they can be difficult to implement in a crowded classroom setting. Teachers often struggle to provide these breaks without disrupting the flow of the lesson or drawing attention to the student who needs them. A standing desk with a kickstand offers a built-in solution, allowing students to get the movement they need right at their desks. This not only helps the individual student but also minimizes disruptions to the rest of the class, creating a more inclusive learning environment. The standing desk model is relatively new to Crosby ISD, but its benefits have been well-documented in other districts. Teachers in these districts have reported that students who use standing desks are more focused, more engaged, and less likely to leave the classroom for movement breaks. The desks help students manage their energy levels and maintain concentration, leading to improved academic performance and better behavior overall. By providing students with a tool that meets their individual needs, schools can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in students, encouraging them to take an active role in their learning. Middle school students are at a critical stage in their development, where fostering independence and self-regulation is essential for their academic and personal growth. Standing desks with stools and kickstands offer a practical, research-supported approach to supporting these needs. By incorporating these desks into the classroom, Crosby ISD can create a more supportive and flexible learning environment, enabling all students to thrive.
The Need for Movement Accommodations in Middle School Middle school students, particularly those in special education, often struggle with the transition from the more structured and supportive environment of elementary school to the more independent and demanding atmosphere of middle school. This transition can be especially challenging for students with ADHD, autism, or emotional disturbances, who may find it difficult to adapt to the increased academic and social pressures. Research has shown that these students often experience heightened levels of anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating in the classroom, all of which can impede their ability to learn and succeed academically. One of the key strategies for supporting these students is to provide movement breaks, which help them to manage their energy levels, reduce stress, and improve focus. Movement breaks are often included in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as a necessary accommodation for students with neurodiverse conditions. These breaks can take many forms, such as short walks, stretching exercises, or the use of fidget tools. However, while movement breaks are effective in theory, they can be difficult to implement in practice. Teachers often struggle to find time in the school day to provide individualized movement breaks for students, particularly in larger classrooms where multiple students may need different accommodations. Additionally, allowing students to leave the classroom for a break can disrupt the flow of the lesson and draw unwanted attention to the student, which can be stigmatizing. The Benefits of Standing Desks with Kickstands and Stools: Standing desks with kickstands and stools offer a practical and effective solution to these challenges. These desks allow students to stand, sit, or engage in light movement while remaining at their desks and participating in classroom activities. The kickstand provides an outlet for fidgeting, allowing students to move their legs without leaving their seats, while the stool offers the option to sit when needed. This setup gives students the autonomy to manage their own needs for movement and self-regulation, without disrupting the learning environment or drawing attention to themselves. Research has shown that standing desks can have a positive impact on student behavior and academic performance. Studies have found that students who use standing desks are more likely to stay on task, exhibit fewer disruptive behaviors, and perform better on tasks requiring sustained attention. For students with ADHD, autism, or emotional disturbances, the ability to move and stand while working can be particularly beneficial, helping them to manage their symptoms and stay engaged in the classroom. In addition to the academic and behavioral benefits, standing desks also offer a sense of empowerment and inclusion for students. By providing these desks, teachers send a clear message that they recognize and value the individual needs of their students, and are willing to explore innovative solutions to help them succeed. This can have a significant positive impact on students’ self-esteem and their relationship with school, fostering a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. Target Population and Expected Benefits: This project is specifically targeted at middle school students in the special education program at Crosby ISD who have been identified as having ADHD, autism, or emotional disturbances. These students, who are most likely to require movement accommodations, will benefit directly from the introduction of standing desks with kickstands and stools. Given that special education classrooms often serve multiple students throughout the day, the desks will be available to any student who needs them, ensuring that a large number of students can benefit from this accommodation. In the current state, students who require movement breaks may struggle to stay focused and engaged in the classroom, leading to academic difficulties and behavioral issues. Teachers, who are already stretched thin by the demands of managing large and diverse classrooms, may find it challenging to provide the necessary accommodations in a way that is both effective and non-disruptive. The introduction of standing desks offers a way to address these needs by providing students with a built-in mechanism for self-regulation that can be used throughout the school day. This not only helps students to stay on task and reduce disruptive behaviors, but also alleviates some of the pressure on teachers, allowing them to focus on instruction rather than managing behavior. Implementation and Future Sustainability: At this time, I am requesting funding for two standing desks with kickstands and stools, which will be placed in the special education classroom. Based on recent searches, the total cost for these desks is estimated to be approximately $900. Once purchased, the desks will remain in the special education department, ensuring that they can be used by students for years to come. Currently, there are no anticipated recurring costs associated with this project, as the desks are durable and require minimal maintenance. If the desks prove to be beneficial and there is demand for more, the possibility of purchasing additional desks in the future can be explored. To sustain the project in the future, funding could be sought through district resources, grants, or donations from the community. Additionally, if the desks demonstrate clear benefits in terms of student behavior and academic performance, it may be possible to secure funding through the school district’s special education budget or through partnerships with organizations that support inclusive education initiatives.
My name is Joseph Hicks, and I am the school psychologist at our middle school. Middle school is a challenging time for many students, particularly those in special education. Students with ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities often need more flexibility and movement than a traditional classroom setting allows. This proposal aims to address these needs by introducing standing desks with kickstands and stools into the special education classroom. The goal is to provide students with a quiet, structured way to move and stay engaged in their learning, ultimately improving their academic outcomes. Project Overview: The core of this project is the purchase of two standing desks with kickstands and stools. Based on recent research, the total cost for these items is approximately $900. These desks will be placed in the special education classroom, where they will be used by multiple students throughout the day. The desks are durable and require no recurring costs, making this a sustainable investment that will benefit students for years to come. The Need: Middle school is a transitional period that can be especially difficult for students with special needs. These students often struggle with self-regulation and may have difficulty staying focused in a traditional classroom setting. Research has shown that movement breaks can help refresh the mind, increase blood flow to the brain, and improve focus and attention. However, providing these movement breaks can be challenging in a crowded classroom, where disruptions can negatively impact the learning environment. Standing desks offer a solution by allowing students to move quietly and in a structured way without leaving the classroom. This not only helps them stay engaged in their learning but also reduces the likelihood of disruptive behaviors like roaming the halls or getting up without permission. SMART Objectives: Specific: Implement two standing desks with kickstands and stools in the special education classroom to improve student engagement and self-regulation. Measurable: Track the number of behavioral incidents and off-task behaviors for students using the standing desks before and after implementation. Monitor academic performance to assess any improvements. Achievable: The purchase and installation of two standing desks is feasible within the proposed budget of $900. The desks will be used by multiple students throughout the day, ensuring maximum benefit. Realistic: This project is realistic given the current needs of our special education students. The desks will provide an immediate and sustainable way to address these needs within the existing classroom structure. Time-bound: The standing desks will be purchased and installed by the beginning of the next school year. Behavioral and academic data will be collected for the first semester to evaluate the impact of the desks on student outcomes. Impact on Student Learning: The primary goal of this project is to improve student learning by addressing the self-regulation challenges faced by our special education students. By providing a structured outlet for movement, the standing desks will help students stay focused and engaged in their work. This, in turn, is expected to reduce disruptive behaviors and improve academic performance. The desks will also give students a sense of autonomy, as they can choose when and how to use them to meet their needs. Activities and Implementation: Once the grant is awarded, the two standing desks with kickstands and stools will be purchased and installed in the special education classroom. These desks will be used by students throughout the day as needed, providing a quiet and structured way for them to take movement breaks without leaving the classroom. The project will be monitored by tracking the number of behavioral incidents and off-task behaviors for students using the desks, as well as their academic performance. This data will be used to assess the effectiveness of the project and make any necessary adjustments. Support for the District’s Mission: This project aligns with our district’s mission of personalizing learning to meet the needs of all students. By providing flexible seating options that accommodate the unique needs of our special education students, we are helping to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. The standing desks will allow students to take ownership of their learning and self-regulation, which is a key component of personalized learning. Additionally, this project supports our campus plan by addressing the specific needs of our middle school students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Research and Support: Research has shown that movement is an ideal brain break for many students, as it increases blood flow to the brain and helps improve focus and attention. Standing desks have been successfully implemented in other districts, where they have been shown to reduce disruptive behaviors and improve academic outcomes for students with special needs. This project is based on this research and is designed to meet the specific needs of our middle school special education students. By providing them with a quiet and structured way to move and stay engaged, we are helping to create a more supportive and effective learning environment. Sustainability and Future Goals: This project is designed to be sustainable, with no recurring costs anticipated. The standing desks are durable and will remain in the special education classroom, benefiting students for years to come. If the desks prove to be effective, there may be opportunities to expand the project in the future by purchasing additional desks for other classrooms. Ultimately, our goal is to provide more flexible seating options for all middle school students, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for everyone.
The Need for Movement Accommodations in Middle School Middle school students, particularly those in special education, often struggle with the transition from the more structured and supportive environment of elementary school to the more independent and demanding atmosphere of middle school. This transition can be especially challenging for students with ADHD, autism, or emotional disturbances, who may find it difficult to adapt to the increased academic and social pressures. Research has shown that these students often experience heightened levels of anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating in the classroom, all of which can impede their ability to learn and succeed academically. One of the key strategies for supporting these students is to provide movement breaks, which help them to manage their energy levels, reduce stress, and improve focus. Movement breaks are often included in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as a necessary accommodation for students with neurodiverse conditions. These breaks can take many forms, such as short walks, stretching exercises, or the use of fidget tools. However, while movement breaks are effective in theory, they can be difficult to implement in practice. Teachers often struggle to find time in the school day to provide individualized movement breaks for students, particularly in larger classrooms where multiple students may need different accommodations. Additionally, allowing students to leave the classroom for a break can disrupt the flow of the lesson and draw unwanted attention to the student, which can be stigmatizing. The Benefits of Standing Desks with Kickstands and Stools: Standing desks with kickstands and stools offer a practical and effective solution to these challenges. These desks allow students to stand, sit, or engage in light movement while remaining at their desks and participating in classroom activities. The kickstand provides an outlet for fidgeting, allowing students to move their legs without leaving their seats, while the stool offers the option to sit when needed. This setup gives students the autonomy to manage their own needs for movement and self-regulation, without disrupting the learning environment or drawing attention to themselves. Research has shown that standing desks can have a positive impact on student behavior and academic performance. Studies have found that students who use standing desks are more likely to stay on task, exhibit fewer disruptive behaviors, and perform better on tasks requiring sustained attention. For students with ADHD, autism, or emotional disturbances, the ability to move and stand while working can be particularly beneficial, helping them to manage their symptoms and stay engaged in the classroom. In addition to the academic and behavioral benefits, standing desks also offer a sense of empowerment and inclusion for students. By providing these desks, teachers send a clear message that they recognize and value the individual needs of their students, and are willing to explore innovative solutions to help them succeed. This can have a significant positive impact on students’ self-esteem and their relationship with school, fostering a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. Target Population and Expected Benefits: This project is specifically targeted at middle school students in the special education program at Crosby ISD who have been identified as having ADHD, autism, or emotional disturbances. These students, who are most likely to require movement accommodations, will benefit directly from the introduction of standing desks with kickstands and stools. Given that special education classrooms often serve multiple students throughout the day, the desks will be available to any student who needs them, ensuring that a large number of students can benefit from this accommodation. In the current state, students who require movement breaks may struggle to stay focused and engaged in the classroom, leading to academic difficulties and behavioral issues. Teachers, who are already stretched thin by the demands of managing large and diverse classrooms, may find it challenging to provide the necessary accommodations in a way that is both effective and non-disruptive. The introduction of standing desks offers a way to address these needs by providing students with a built-in mechanism for self-regulation that can be used throughout the school day. This not only helps students to stay on task and reduce disruptive behaviors, but also alleviates some of the pressure on teachers, allowing them to focus on instruction rather than managing behavior. Implementation and Future Sustainability: At this time, I am requesting funding for two standing desks with kickstands and stools, which will be placed in the special education classroom. Based on recent searches, the total cost for these desks is estimated to be approximately $900. Once purchased, the desks will remain in the special education department, ensuring that they can be used by students for years to come. Currently, there are no anticipated recurring costs associated with this project, as the desks are durable and require minimal maintenance. If the desks prove to be beneficial and there is demand for more, the possibility of purchasing additional desks in the future can be explored. To sustain the project in the future, funding could be sought through district resources, grants, or donations from the community. Additionally, if the desks demonstrate clear benefits in terms of student behavior and academic performance, it may be possible to secure funding through the school district’s special education budget or through partnerships with organizations that support inclusive education initiatives.
My name is Joseph Hicks, and I am the school psychologist at our middle school. Middle school is a challenging time for many students, particularly those in special education. Students with ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities often need more flexibility and movement than a traditional classroom setting allows. This proposal aims to address these needs by introducing standing desks with kickstands and stools into the special education classroom. The goal is to provide students with a quiet, structured way to move and stay engaged in their learning, ultimately improving their academic outcomes. Project Overview: The core of this project is the purchase of two standing desks with kickstands and stools. Based on recent research, the total cost for these items is approximately $900. These desks will be placed in the special education classroom, where they will be used by multiple students throughout the day. The desks are durable and require no recurring costs, making this a sustainable investment that will benefit students for years to come. The Need: Middle school is a transitional period that can be especially difficult for students with special needs. These students often struggle with self-regulation and may have difficulty staying focused in a traditional classroom setting. Research has shown that movement breaks can help refresh the mind, increase blood flow to the brain, and improve focus and attention. However, providing these movement breaks can be challenging in a crowded classroom, where disruptions can negatively impact the learning environment. Standing desks offer a solution by allowing students to move quietly and in a structured way without leaving the classroom. This not only helps them stay engaged in their learning but also reduces the likelihood of disruptive behaviors like roaming the halls or getting up without permission. SMART Objectives: Specific: Implement two standing desks with kickstands and stools in the special education classroom to improve student engagement and self-regulation. Measurable: Track the number of behavioral incidents and off-task behaviors for students using the standing desks before and after implementation. Monitor academic performance to assess any improvements. Achievable: The purchase and installation of two standing desks is feasible within the proposed budget of $900. The desks will be used by multiple students throughout the day, ensuring maximum benefit. Realistic: This project is realistic given the current needs of our special education students. The desks will provide an immediate and sustainable way to address these needs within the existing classroom structure. Time-bound: The standing desks will be purchased and installed by the beginning of the next school year. Behavioral and academic data will be collected for the first semester to evaluate the impact of the desks on student outcomes. Impact on Student Learning: The primary goal of this project is to improve student learning by addressing the self-regulation challenges faced by our special education students. By providing a structured outlet for movement, the standing desks will help students stay focused and engaged in their work. This, in turn, is expected to reduce disruptive behaviors and improve academic performance. The desks will also give students a sense of autonomy, as they can choose when and how to use them to meet their needs. Activities and Implementation: Once the grant is awarded, the two standing desks with kickstands and stools will be purchased and installed in the special education classroom. These desks will be used by students throughout the day as needed, providing a quiet and structured way for them to take movement breaks without leaving the classroom. The project will be monitored by tracking the number of behavioral incidents and off-task behaviors for students using the desks, as well as their academic performance. This data will be used to assess the effectiveness of the project and make any necessary adjustments. Support for the District’s Mission: This project aligns with our district’s mission of personalizing learning to meet the needs of all students. By providing flexible seating options that accommodate the unique needs of our special education students, we are helping to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. The standing desks will allow students to take ownership of their learning and self-regulation, which is a key component of personalized learning. Additionally, this project supports our campus plan by addressing the specific needs of our middle school students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Research and Support: Research has shown that movement is an ideal brain break for many students, as it increases blood flow to the brain and helps improve focus and attention. Standing desks have been successfully implemented in other districts, where they have been shown to reduce disruptive behaviors and improve academic outcomes for students with special needs. This project is based on this research and is designed to meet the specific needs of our middle school special education students. By providing them with a quiet and structured way to move and stay engaged, we are helping to create a more supportive and effective learning environment. Sustainability and Future Goals: This project is designed to be sustainable, with no recurring costs anticipated. The standing desks are durable and will remain in the special education classroom, benefiting students for years to come. If the desks prove to be effective, there may be opportunities to expand the project in the future by purchasing additional desks for other classrooms. Ultimately, our goal is to provide more flexible seating options for all middle school students, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for everyone.
$900
Value:
priceless