--- title: Using ST Math for Test Prep description: Best practices for using ST Math to support students' mathematical understanding as they prepare for standardized tests. image: https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Landing%20Pages/images/killeen-isd-students.png --- [![](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MIND-logo-2018.jpg?width=1701&height=623&name=MIND-logo-2018.jpg)](http://www.mindresearch.org/) [![mind logo](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/MIND-logos-color2.svg)](https://www.mindeducation.org/) [![mind white logo](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/MIND-logos-white2.svg)](https://www.mindeducation.org/) - [Our Approach](https://2024.mindresearch.org/our-approach) - [Why MIND?](https://2024.mindresearch.org/why-math-education) - [Our Research](https://2024.mindresearch.org/our-research) - [Our Patents](https://2024.mindresearch.org/patents) - [Our Impact](https://2024.mindresearch.org/impact) - [Our Partners](https://2024.mindresearch.org/partners) - [Partner Stories](https://2024.mindresearch.org/partner-stories) - Our Programs - [ST Math](http://www.stmath.com/) - [InsightMath](http://www.insightmath.com/) - [MathMINDs](https://www.mindresearch.org/mathminds) - [Life at MIND](https://2024.mindresearch.org/careers) - Resources - [Blog](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog) - [Math Discourse](https://2024.mindresearch.org/puzzletalks) - [Podcast](https://2024.mindresearch.org/edtech-podcast) - [News](https://2024.mindresearch.org/news) - [Activities](https://2024.mindresearch.org/stem-resources) - [Donate](https://store.mindresearch.org/pages/donate) **Student privacy****:** learn more about our commitment to keeping students safe [Read More](https://www.mindresearch.org/privacy-policy) ![MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/graphics/headers/_blog-headers/MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5.png?width=2000&height=667&name=MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5.png "MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5") Category Community Teaching & Learning Technology & Games Research & Outcomes Neuroscience Celebrations & Successes [![Subscribe](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/a35fb57d-2960-4554-a0f3-e7bb5946fc70.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/a35fb57d-2960-4554-a0f3-e7bb5946fc70) [Technology & Games](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/topic/technology-games) # Using ST Math for Test Prep By [Twana Young](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/author/twana-young) - - - - - [mailto:?subject=Using%20ST%20Math%20for%20Test%20Prep&body=Using%20ST%20Math%20for%20Test%20Prep%20https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/st-math-for-test-prep](mailto:?subject=Using%20ST%20Math%20for%20Test%20Prep&body=Using%20ST%20Math%20for%20Test%20Prep%20https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/st-math-for-test-prep) - It is that time of the year again when the new year reminds us that testing is just around the corner. Your students have worked hard all year and you may be looking for ideas on how to use [ST Math](https://www.stmath.com/) to provide support for classroom instruction. I have worked with teachers across the country to identify some best practices for using ST Math to support student understanding of math content. Learn how teachers are leveraging the power of ST Math to engage their students in learning all year long through small group and whole group settings. ## ST Math Tips for Test Prep  #### ![ST Math Tip - State Testing-1](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Images/ST%20Math%20Tip%20-%20State%20Testing-1.png?width=718&name=ST%20Math%20Tip%20-%20State%20Testing-1.png) #### Tip 1: Utilize your data to strategically address areas where students need extra support. Educators can use their students' data to strategically [reorder content](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/quick_answers/how_resequence.htm). Provide students opportunities to preview content before it is taught and review content needing intervention. When reordering ST Math curriculum, use data from ST Math, past assessments, and district tests to identify: - Grade level concepts where students are struggling. - Grade level concepts students have yet to experience. - Historical trends (traditional areas of poor performance). *Note: Students will pause on their current objective and begin working on the new objectives that were moved to the top. Because of this, reordering content should always be done in a manner that is strategic and beneficial to the students. * Check out [ST Math Central](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/home.htm) for [textbook correlations](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/using_program/alignments/index.htm), [scope and sequence](https://web.stmath.com/learn/ss/), and other resources to support you with the process of reordering curriculum. #### Tip 2: Promote student-to-student discourse and communication. On assessments, students need to be able to clearly and precisely communicate their thinking, reason mathematically, and critique the reasoning of others. ST Math can support mathematical discourse through: - Teacher facilitation of ST Math puzzles with small group or whole group instruction, called [Puzzle Talks](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/using_program/puzzle_talks/index.htm). - Student-to-student discussion around strategies and the mathematics involved in specific puzzles. - Student completion of a [math journal](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/printables/journals.htm) or [exit ticket](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/printables/exit_tickets.htm) explaining the mathematics in a game and/or their strategy for solving a difficult puzzle. When engaging in discourse, use [Teacher Mode](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/using_program/teacher_mode.htm) to pause the animation and provide opportunities for students to make conjectures, discuss problem solving strategies, and explain and justify their reasoning. Consider using [game mats](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/printables/game_mats.htm), [game cards](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/using_program/game_cards/index.htm), and [facilitation tools](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/printables/print_facilitation_all.htm) to support your classroom discussions.  Find more resources on [ST Math Central](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/home.htm). ![killeen-isd-students](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Pages/images/killeen-isd-students.png?width=750&name=killeen-isd-students.png) #### Tip 3: Help students see connections and develop confidence as problem solvers. Consistent play of ST Math supports the [conceptual development of math](https://www.stmath.com/conceptual-understanding) content. The intrinsic motivation students develop while playing ST Math builds persistence and expands their mathematical mindsets. Providing opportunities to help students connect what they are learning in ST Math to classroom instruction builds confidence and equips them for solving novel problems.   Use ST Math puzzles to: - Introduce core lessons and connect appropriate mathematical vocabulary. - Have students share alternative strategies and perspectives which strengthens their understanding. - Help students make connections between the visual models and the classroom lessons. Find examples of [classroom connection lessons](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/using_program/classroom_lessons.htm), [game cards](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/st_math_help/using_program/game_cards/index.htm), and other resources on [ST Math Central](https://web.stmath.com/central/content/home.htm). ## Tips to Support Mathematical Thinking All Year Long With strong visual models, informative feedback, and mastery-based learning, ST Math has been proven to positively impact [test scores](https://www.stmath.com/impact/results). In addition, the game-based approach helps develop students’ confidence, knowledge, strategies, and thinking about mathematical concepts and ideas. These tips are great for use all year to support students in achieving academic success. ## More Support for Test Prep Interested in hearing how elementary teacher Meagan Erwin uses ST Math for test prep? Watch the recorded webinar for an in-depth look at how to help prepare your students for state tests! [![join the st math webinar](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/97166be0-527e-40e0-9eaf-2223dc9fcff4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/97166be0-527e-40e0-9eaf-2223dc9fcff4) ![Twana Young](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Twana-headshot.jpg) ### About the Author Twana is Vice President of Curriculum and Instruction at MIND Research Institute. Follow her on Twitter [@TwanaYoung](https://twitter.com/Twanayoung). ### Comment #### [2018 Annual Report: Celebrating 20 Years of MIND](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/2018-celebrating-20-years-of-mind) [Fun with Data: Students Play ST Math Over Winter Break](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/st-math-over-winter-break) ### Search Result By: ![feature image](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Blog/Images/Inside-our-Minds-logo-teal-800x800.png) [Featured Podcast](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/topic/featured-podcast) ### [Rethinking Attendance in Edtech](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) [Listen Now](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) ##### LATEST PODCAST EPISODES ###### BY MIND RESEARCH INSTITUTE - [Rethinking Attendance in Edtech](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) - [People, Process, and Penguins: Designing Math Experiences](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/people-process-penguins) - [Bridging STEM Gaps with STEMconnector CEO Jo Webber](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/bridging-stem-gaps-with-stemconnector-ceo-jo-webber) - [The EdTech Genome Project: Talking Implementation with Elizabeth Birie](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/edtech-genome-project) - [From Meeting the Moment to Foundational Change](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/from-meeting-the-moment-to-foundational-change) ##### [See all podcasts](https://www.mindresearch.org/edtech-podcast) ## Interested in Contributing? [![Read Our Blog Guidelines](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/a5ccc223-4d16-4ac9-b049-55259b5fa0fc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/a5ccc223-4d16-4ac9-b049-55259b5fa0fc) ## Join Our Newsletter - [Speakers](https://2024.mindresearch.org/speakers) - [Partners](https://2024.mindresearch.org/partners) - [Patents](https://2024.mindresearch.org/patents) - [Resources](http://blog.mindresearch.org/resources) - [Equity](https://2024.mindresearch.org/equity) - [Accessibility](https://www.mindresearch.org/accessibility) - [Blog](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog) - [Math Discourse](https://2024.mindresearch.org/math-puzzle-talks) - [Podcast](https://2024.mindresearch.org/edtech-podcast) - [News](https://2024.mindresearch.org/news) - [ST Math](http://STMath.com) - [MathMINDs](https://2024.mindresearch.org/mathminds) - [Careers](https://2024.mindresearch.org/careers) - [MIND Marketplace](https://store.mindresearch.org/) - [FAQs](https://2024.mindresearch.org/faq) - [Contact Us](https://2024.mindresearch.org/contact-us) - [Site Map](https://2024.mindresearch.org/site-map) [![DONATE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/c729ff2c-0758-4634-bf2d-46c915ce5cba.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/c729ff2c-0758-4634-bf2d-46c915ce5cba) - [*facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/MindEduORG) - [*twitter*](https://x.com/MINDEduOrg) - [*youtube*](https://www.youtube.com/user/mindresearch/) - [*pinterest*](https://www.instagram.com/mindeducationorg/) - [*linkedin*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mind-research-institute/) [![DONATE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/c729ff2c-0758-4634-bf2d-46c915ce5cba.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/c729ff2c-0758-4634-bf2d-46c915ce5cba) Copyright © 2024 MIND Education®. All rights reserved. [Terms of Use](https://2024.mindresearch.org/terms-of-use) | [Privacy Policy](https://2024.mindresearch.org/privacy-policy) Search: Jump to: Category Community Jump to: Most Recent Most Popular Most Recent Most Popular