Fall 2013
MIND in
STEMming America’s
Math Achievement Gap
A Message from MIND’s CEO and COO
Dear Friends,
In this edition of MIND in Motion, you’ll
read about our expanded public-private
partnership with Hyundai that is bringing
ST Math to 15 new schools across the
nation this year. Additionally, you’ll learn
about our innovative school scholarship
program that brings together MIND Research,
funders and schools to give more high-need
children access to deeper learning through
ST Math, propelling them toward a love of learning and
a lifetime of success.
Also profiled in this issue is long-time ST Math
advocate and former California Senator and Secretary
of Education Marian Bergeson. We hope you will join
us to celebrate her, as well as other supporters and
successful schools, at MIND’s “Breaking the Barrier”
2013 Awards Gala on November 23rd at the Island
Hotel, Newport Beach.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey
of reimagining math education in America.
Together, we can ensure that all students are
mathematically equipped to solve the world’s
most challenging problems.
Sincerely,
Ted Smith
Chairman and CEO
Matthew Peterson
Co-founder and COO
PROBLEM
SOLVING
INDEPENDENTLY
When Tylicia Brown entered third grade at Occohannock Elementary
in Northampton County, Virginia, she was failing math, but wouldn’t
ask questions when she needed help. Two months into the school
year, Tylicia had what her teacher describes as a breakthrough
moment. She had created her own place value chart to work
through a series of ST Math problems on the computer.
“It wasn’t a strategy anyone had given to her, and she was able to
explain to me how she was using this tool she’d created,” says third
grade math teacher Jenna Bassette. “She was problem solving
independently.”
Tylicia is one of 6,000 Virginia students at 22 schools who piloted
the Spatial-Temporal (ST) Math instructional software program in
2012. When asked about why his district chose to also participate
in the ST Math pilot, Lynchburg City Schools Superintendent Scott
Brabrand stated, “Our students deserve the best educational
opportunities, including blended learning programs like ST Math.”
According to Tylicia’s teacher, ST Math is already putting at-risk
students on track to successful futures. “Their newfound ability
and willingness to problem solve and to try multiple strategies is
translating from ST Math to test-taking skills, in-class assignments
and language arts,” she says. “It’s been phenomenal for us.”
“
Our students deserve the best
educational opportunities, including
blended learning programs like ST Math.
“
Across America, children are headed back
to school, including half a million who
will experience how you and MIND
Research Institute are reimagining
math education. Fall is an exciting
and busy time as MIND helps current
ST Math schools prepare for the year
and welcomes new school partners
to the program.
- Scott Brabrand, Lynchburg City Schools Superintendent