Grade: Kindergarten-5th grade 

Teacher Name: Tiffiny Houdek

Description and purpose of grant: 

We are asking for 2x3 foot whiteboards; six per classroom teacher, to utlize collaboratively for integrating Building Thinking Classrooms in math, and utlizing Argument-Driven Inquiry in science. 

• Enhance Collaborative Problem-Solving

  • Provide students with whiteboard spaces that encourage group discussion, visual reasoning, and multiple solution pathways in math and science.

  • Outcome: At least 90% of classrooms will use whiteboards weekly for small-group or whole-class problem-solving tasks.

• Make Student Thinking Visible

  • Enable teachers to observe and respond to student reasoning in real time by using vertical, non-permanent surfaces.

  • Outcome: Teachers will report increased visibility of student thought processes and greater participation from all learners, including English language learners and students with diverse needs.

• Foster Critical Thinking Through Real-World Applications

  • Support Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) in science and Building Thinking Classrooms in math to promote reasoning, justification, and evidence-based discussions.

  • Outcome: Students will demonstrate improved ability to explain and justify their thinking on formative assessments and science investigations.

• Promote Equity and Inclusion in Learning Spaces

  • Create classroom environments where every student’s ideas are visible and valued, empowering all learners to take risks and share their voice.

  • Outcome: Student surveys will reflect an increase in confidence and participation in group learning activities.

• Support Teacher Implementation of Research-Based Practices

  • Equip teachers with the tools necessary to effectively implement Building Thinking Classrooms and ADI strategies across grade levels.

  • Outcome: 100% of teachers participating in the project will incorporate at least one of these strategies into weekly instruction.

Mockingbird’s science instruction emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning that empowers students to think and act like scientists. The use of whiteboards supports this vision by:

• Encouraging Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI), where students design investigations, collect data, and defend conclusions using evidence.

• Allowing students to visually represent their reasoning, making it easier for peers to give feedback and build on each other’s ideas.

• Through visible thinking and collaborative discussion, whiteboards will deepen scientific understanding and communication skills across K–5 classrooms.

• Promoting a growth mindset—students see mistakes as learning opportunities when they can easily revise and improve their work on whiteboards.

• Increasing student engagement and participation, especially for students who may not always feel confident sharing verbally.

This project supports Coppell ISD’s mission to empower learners to become engaged, contributing citizens in a rapidly changing world by fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Direct Connections:

1. Engagement – Students actively construct meaning through discussion, collaboration, and problem-solving using whiteboards.

2. Inclusion – Every child’s thinking becomes visible and valued, providing equitable opportunities for participation across diverse learners.

3. Authentic Learning – Students engage in real-world problem solving through math and science inquiry, mirroring how professionals think and work.

4. Innovation in Teaching and Learning – Teachers implement evidence-based strategies (Building Thinking Classrooms and ADI) supported by the district’s focus on learner-centered design.

Implementation process:

The Whiteboards for Thinking and Inquiry project will be implemented across all K–5 classrooms at Mockingbird Elementary, impacting approximately 400 students and 30 teachers. The project will be rolled out in three phases to ensure consistent, effective use aligned with district goals for engagement, inclusion, and authentic learning.

Phase 1 – Setup and Teacher Collaboration (Fall 2025)

• Whiteboards will be installed in every K–5 classroom and key collaborative learning areas.

• Teachers will receive a brief professional learning session introducing strategies for Building Thinking Classrooms (math) and Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) (science) using vertical, non-permanent surfaces.

• Grade-level teams will plan and model lessons that use whiteboards for group problem solving and scientific reasoning.

Phase 2 – Classroom Implementation (Winter–Spring 2026)

• Students will use whiteboards daily in math and science to:

  • Solve two-step and multi-step real-world math problems collaboratively.

  • Design and justify scientific investigations using data and evidence.

• Teachers will document student engagement and visible thinking through photos, student reflections, and formative assessments.

• Instructional coaches and administrators will support classrooms to ensure equitable participation and inclusion of all learners, including English language learners and students with special needs.

Phase 3 – Reflection and Sustainability (Spring 2026 and Beyond)

• Teachers will share effective practices during professional learning community (PLC) meetings.

• Whiteboards will remain as a long-term, sustainable resource used across subjects and future school years.

• The project will continue benefiting new cohorts of students annually, supporting Mockingbird’s ongoing focus on collaboration, inquiry, and visible thinking.

Total Students Impacted: 400+ each school year
Total Teachers Impacted: 30
Long-Term Benefit: Sustainable use of whiteboards as core tools for student collaboration and critical thinking across future years.

Items you plan to purchase with grant money: 

ThinkSpace Double Sided Dry Erase Plastic Boards: 1" Grid; 23" x 36" -Quantity or Number of Boards (30) $83.96   (EAI Education)
Total =$2,518.80
Dry Erase Markers. (Amazon) Expo Markers (Expo Dry Erase Markers, Low Odor Ink, Assorted Fashion Colors, Chisel Tip; 40 count markers.  List price $32.99
Quantity Needed: 6 = Total $197.94

Dry Erase Markers, Low Odor, Black, Chisel Tip, 40 count markers; List price $24.85
Quantity Needed: 6 = Total $149.10

Ezlifego Double Sided Tape Heavy Duty (extra large 16.5ft) Nano Adhesive Mounting Tape Wall Decor; Sticky Picture Hanging Adhesive Strips Poster Tape
Quantity Needed 6; List Price Amazon-$15.99. Total =$95.94

In the event my grant is not fully funded, this is minimum amount I would need to get started on this project: The minimum amount need would be $2,518.80 to purchase the whiteboards to use in all the classrooms.