Math Success Flourishes at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

March 3, 2016, San Juan Capistrano, CA: Capistrano Valley Christian Schools (CVCS) knows students’ math success boils down to a simple equation. The formula: Take away the words. Provide visuals. And, put a loveable penguin into the mix. CVCS has used MIND Research Institute’s ST Math, a non-language-based approach to math, for 10 years. The results of the learning will be highlighted March 22 as the school partners with MIND for Family Math Night activities, part of the school’s STEAM Night (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts, and Math) at CVCS in San Juan Capistrano from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

CVCS embraced MIND’s ST Math computer instructional software program to help transform how students receive mathematics instruction, taking them beyond words, pencils, and paper. Math is now in the realm of graphically-animated software that engages students through visual representations of math concepts using games starring a penguin, which helps teach them how to persevere. It is computers, laptops, and tablets. The math world has changed.

“One of the reasons our students have an in-depth understanding of mathematics and continue to exceed national norms is the implementation of MIND Research Institute’s ST Math,” said CVCS Elementary Principal Tessa Samuelsen. “Our students are exposed to opportunities for mathematical thinking and problem solving in multiple settings across campus. Using ST Math, we are able to connect both music and math in a way that strengthens math proficiency.”

500 Students and Counting

CVCS leadership believes this is paramount to students’ achievement in a global innovation- driven economy. About 500 CVCS students have benefitted from ST Math, allowing them to learn math concepts, problem solving and applications through visual learning. Samuelsen noted that “of those students who transition from CVCS elementary into CVCS junior high or high school, more than 50% are typically at least one level higher in math than those students who begin CVCS at the junior high or high school level from outside the CVCS campus.

ST Math (Spatial-Temporal Math) offers a uniquely visual, non-language-based approach to teaching math, developed by University of California researchers in the early 1990s. Spatial-Temporal reasoning was initially born out of neuroscience research at the University of California, Irvine. According the Nation’s Report Card, 70% of students nationwide are failing math by middle school. The software offers hundreds of games from pre-Kindergarten to Algebra I.

“These lessons are taught and reinforced daily in the general education classroom, keyboarding lab, and computer lab,” said Samuelsen. In addition, each student is provided with home access to practice concepts and skills after school hours. It a year-long program at CVCS.

STEAM & Family Math Night

During Family Math Night activities, there will be a Game-a-thon. Each elementary student will have worked with their classroom teachers and 39 of their high school mentors to create a mathematical game that incorporates science, technology, and engineering. The games created will be on display and there will be a Math-a-Thon as well. Among other activities will be the Jr. High Science Fair Projects.

High school students participating were recommended by the teachers because of their math and science skills and dedication to education.

About the Penguin

The ST Math games are based on informative feedback, which motivates students to persist and ultimately become proficient. Along the way, they have fun. Part of that fun is JiJi, the penguin. Students enjoy helping JiJi navigate obstacles by solving math puzzles.

“Students associate JiJi with challenge, learning, and the thrill of success. When students enjoy what they are doing, many times anxiety falls to the way side,” said Samuelsen.

MIND is known for starting a math revolution that recognizes that words can be learning barriers in math; that a majority of students prefer visual learning; and that students who touch, feel, see, and interact with math through games clear up the mysteries of how and why math works.

“All students learn differently,” said Samuelsen. “With ST Math from MIND, we are able to really help students make mathematical connections at all levels, providing struggling students as well as advance students, with a visual learning experience. Opportunity is key.”

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Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, founded in 1973, is a non-profit Christian, college-preparatory, co-ed school serving Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade located in San Juan Capistrano, California. School address: 32032 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Website: www.cvcs.org