Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) hosted a celebration on September 21, 2022, at Rogers Street Academy to launch ST Math across the district. The program allows students to accelerate math skills and provides lessons and supports for educators. Students were greeted as they arrived for school with cheering staff and representatives of ST Math, along with JiJi, the ST Math penguin mascot.
The launch event allowed media to see students engaged in ST math and included an inspirational visit from Jay Flores, an alumnus of MPS Rufus King High School and founder of Invent the Change, a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills for children. Flores spoke to students about STEM careers and about his experiences as an American Ninja Warrior.
MPS piloted ST Math in four schools seven years ago and has made ST Math available this year in most elementary and middle schools along with select high schools. The program, which supplements existing curriculum, helps students make sense of math through engaging puzzles and games. Students learn problem- solving skills that extend beyond math. Teachers are actively involved by supporting students and becoming stronger math educators. ST Math will also be available to MPS students in before- and after-school programs at select Boys & Girls Clubs locations.
ST Math offers computer- based activities that allow students to work at their own pace. The program was designed by MIND Research Institute, a neuroscience and education organization dedicated to mathematics. MIND developed ST Math as a Pre-K through grade 8 visual instructional program to build deep conceptual understandings of math through creative problem solving.
ST Math staffers are also hosting kickoff events at more than 20 other MPS schools this week so students can meet JiJi the penguin and get excited about the new program. “In the past seven years, we have seen students gain confidence and build a better grasp on math concepts,” said a teacher at Rogers Street Academy. “Math anxiety is real, but ST Math has helped students tackle new concepts and feel more positive.”
Rogers Street Academy is located at 2430 W. Rogers St., Milwaukee, WI, 53204.
