Thanks to a combination of funds from the District and a donation from Bob Greenheck, Sr. the District is in the process of taking this one step further by engaging in a new global educational initiative that focuses on developing flexible learning spaces within our classrooms. Research indicates that student outcomes, engagement and collaboration can improve if students are allowed to choose a space that is best suited to their needs or to the particular project they are working on. Some of our classrooms have incorporated flexible learning spaces with a variety of seating and workstation options: bean bags, desks that can be raised our lowered, lap desks, floor desks, couches, ball chairs, wobble chairs, chairs with moveable bike pedals, risers, etc. And classrooms are often arranged (and re-arranged) with a variety of individual or group learning areas — bookshelves cordoning off a carpeted area where students lie on their bellies and read; risers filled with clusters of students; benches facing one another across a table; quiet nooks with a bean bag or two; or raised desks with students moving about and engineering a new STEAM project.

We collected insights from DCE teachers and students in classrooms with flexible learning spaces to share with you the benefits of these fluid configurations. Learn more about Flexible Learning Spaces.