Over at Burnett Junior High, some students are learning a bit differently. Eighth grade math teacher Shirin Omidvar is taking a stand against the traditional classroom setup. In the back row of her classroom, six desks rise far above the others, as do the students sitting at them.

Omidvar got the idea from online, and upon doing more research found the AlphaBetter Desks. These desks promote better performance by giving students a chance to move around and stand without being a distraction, something that will keep them less focused on staying quiet and still and more focused on their schoolwork.

“I have ADHD and I want to move more and stuff during the day,” eighth grader Caden Anderson said. “It lets me do that, and it’s higher so it’s more comfortable, too.”

Omidvar got the money for her six desks and five chairs from a grant. Grants are available for teachers based on need and evidence. If they present a solid enough case, the Education Foundation will grant them funds to purchase the education materials.

“I had them write letters to me to earn their seat,” Omidvar said. “If I had to write a letter to get them, they do too.”

It’s not just the ability to stand that has captured the attention of students. The desk also comes with a foot bar that students can push back and forth and rest their feet on even when sitting.

“Every class should have them, it would be awesome,” eighth grader Sibley Smith said.