--- title: English Learners | ST Math description: How does the ST Math visual instruction program support English learners? Find solutions and resources to help English learners succeed in math. image: https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Blog/Images/personalized-learning-social_media-cta.png --- Toggle navigation [![2020-STMath-wordmark](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/STMath/Logos/2020-STMath-wordmark.svg)](https://www.stmath.com/) - What is ST Math? - Impact - Resources - Solutions - [Request Demo](https://www.stmath.com/demo) - [Sign In](https://play.stmath.com) **New MIND Education website coming soon.**  **NEW** **:** MIND Education website coming soon ![icon-chalkboard-stmath](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/STMath/Icons/svg-icons/icon-chalkboard-stmath.svg) How it works Learn how ST Math can make a difference for your students. [![Learn More »](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/31ab3d54-0b5e-41ea-9c39-f3df51c7a22a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/31ab3d54-0b5e-41ea-9c39-f3df51c7a22a) ## Programs - [Early Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/earlylearning) - [K - 6](https://2024.mindresearch.org/elementaryschool) - [Middle School](https://2024.mindresearch.org/middleschool) - [Summer Immersion](https://2024.mindresearch.org/summer-immersion) - [Tutoring Powered by VIPTeacher](https://2024.mindresearch.org/tutoring-by-vipteacher) - [Math Camp](https://2024.mindresearch.org/math-camp) - [Homeschool](https://2024.mindresearch.org/homeschool-math) ## Explore - [How it Works](https://2024.mindresearch.org/how) - [What's New?](https://2024.mindresearch.org/whats-new) - [Distance Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/distance-learning) - [Tech Requirements](https://2024.mindresearch.org/techrequirements) - [Standards Alignment](https://help.stmath.com/hc/en-us/articles/360054027353-Scope-and-Sequence) ## Experience - [Try Quick Games](https://2024.mindresearch.org/play) - [Play Full Games](https://bit.ly/playstmathgames) - [Take a Tour](https://2024.mindresearch.org/tour) - [Request Demo](https://2024.mindresearch.org/demo) ## Impact - [Validation and Methodology](https://www.stmath.com/impact/validation-and-methodology) - [Equity and Outcomes](https://www.stmath.com/impact/equity-and-outcomes) - [Success Stories](https://2024.mindresearch.org/success-stories) ![2020-stmath-badges](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/STMath/Graphics/2020-stmath-badges.png?width=1400&height=605&name=2020-stmath-badges.png)   ## Learn More - [Blog](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog) - [FAQ](https://2024.stmath.com/faq) ## Services - [Family Resources](https://2024.mindresearch.org/parent-math-resources) - [Instructional Resources](https://2024.mindresearch.org/instructional-resources) - [Publications](https://2024.mindresearch.org/publications) - [Professional Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/professional-learning) - [Support](https://www.stmath.com/techrequirements#technical-support) - [JiJi Store](https://store.mindresearch.org) ## Educator Topics - [Deep Conceptual Understanding](https://2024.mindresearch.org/conceptual-understanding) - [Math Rigor](https://2024.mindresearch.org/productive-struggle-math-rigor) - [Personalized Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/personalized-learning) - [Social Emotional Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/social-emotional-learning) - [Student Engagement](https://2024.mindresearch.org/student-engagement) ![icon-news-stmath-lg](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/STMath/Icons/svg-icons/icon-news-stmath-lg.svg) Subscribe to the Newsletter ## Approach - [Accelerate Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/accelerate-learning) - [Expanded Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/expanded-learning) - [English Learners](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners) - [Approach to Equity](https://2024.mindresearch.org/equity) ![icon-news-stmath-lg](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/STMath/Icons/svg-icons/icon-news-stmath-lg.svg) Subscribe to the Blog > # **Using the Neuroscience of Math to Support English Learners**   ## English Learners Need a Better Access Point to Math [![Watch Video](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/4712e6b8-542c-4e61-9f25-955c38642bc9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/4712e6b8-542c-4e61-9f25-955c38642bc9) [![roger-street-academy-el-vid2](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/roger-street-academy-el-vid2.png?width=1024&height=650&name=roger-street-academy-el-vid2.png)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/wX4buprFHO4) - [The Solution](https://www.stmath.com/english-learners#solution) - [Results](https://www.stmath.com/english-learners#results) - [Accessibility and Equity](https://www.stmath.com/english-learners#accessibility) - [Resources](https://www.stmath.com/english-learners#resources) ## Shortcuts - [What is Expanded Learning?](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#definition) - [Summer School](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#summerschool) - [Extended Day Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#learning) - [Tutoring](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#tutoring) - [Family Engagement](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#family) ### Quick Downloads ## The Challenge English learners (ELs) make up one out of every 10 students and are the fastest-growing group in public school classrooms.  In total, ELs in U.S. public schools speak over 400 different languages including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hmong. When math is presented only as words and numbers on a page, ELs can miss out on crucial opportunities to understand the meaning behind the math. ![spatial-temporal-graphic-2022](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/STMath/Graphics/spatial-temporal-graphic-2022.png?width=934&height=500&name=spatial-temporal-graphic-2022.png) ## Inspiring English Learners to Change the World Through Math All students are math language learners. Math is especially difficult because it is a whole new language. ST Math’s patented game-based visual learning approach activates the brain’s spatial-temporal reasoning skills, providing all students, including ELs, with a deeper understanding of math concepts. Spatial-temporal reasoning and the Perception-Action Cycle approach within ST Math works for ELs because ST Math: - Presents math problems and concepts **visually**  - Allows **interactive, self-directed** exploration - Delivers **scaffolded**, mastery-based learning - Introduces mathematical language in **strategic intervals** - Provides data and real-time, formative **feedback** so students can monitor their progress and adjust their solution path - Encourages **rich discourse** through puzzle talks     ## Results When ELs can problem solve without distractions, educators see dramatic results in achievement. Before ST Math, EL students were at 34% proficiency in math compared to 44% proficiency after playing ST Math. [See full report»](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/MIND%20Research%20Institute/PDF/RLL_2Yr_TX_1516_bilingell_Feb14.pdf) ![EL-graph](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/graphics/EL-graph.png?width=876&height=219&name=EL-graph.png) ![SayrevillePS-NJ](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/SayrevillePS-NJ.jpg) "I love that my EL students are able to solve puzzles independently. The look of accomplishment on their faces when they finish a level without me! ST Math meets the needs of my diverse classroom easily. I can do a math chat with one group and assign specific puzzles to another. The options are now endless." Kristina Bartko, 4th grade math & science teacher Sayreville Public Schools, New Jersey ![Lowell-PS-MA](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/Lowell-PS-MA.png) "Using ST Math to launch a new math concept allows all students to start on the same playing field regardless of their background knowledge. It facilitates conversations among students to notice and ask questions about patterns and make predictions about what might happen, as the math is the missing piece to really help students develop visual conceptual knowledge before moving on to abstract symbols in mathematics." Kerien Driscoll, EL teacher Lowell Public Schools, Massachusetts ![CISD](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/CISD.jpg) "ST Math is the best program choice for us because it aligns to our established district priorities, is accessible to all students, and keeps grade level content a priority. Its accessibility to all students was a huge selling point…because barriers such as language, the ability to hear, and/or English proficiency are non-existent." Courtney Davis, blended learning and MIZ coordinator Crowley Independent School District, Texas ## ST Math on Accessibility and Equity When Teaching Math to English Learners ## Accessibility - Increases entry points for all proficiency levels of ELs - Provides a method for ELs to demonstrate their mathematical understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving skills - Provides visual models for ELs to understand math concepts - Visually presents feedback which allows ELs to learn from their mistakes ## Equity - Allows on-grade level learning through accessible entry levels and scaffolding - Introduces language carefully and strategically to represent the concepts students already understand - Supports students to problem solve and critically think by engaging them in highly-motivational puzzles - Instead of remediating ELs, ST Math makes math achievement fair for everyone   ![ST-Math_VIP-Teacher_Boy-Photo](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/students/ST-Math_VIP-Teacher_Boy-Photo.png?width=500&height=333&name=ST-Math_VIP-Teacher_Boy-Photo.png) ## Tutoring ## **ST Math powered by VIPTeacher** ST Math powered by VIPTeacher accelerates student learning through online high impact, grade-level tutoring by state certified teachers. - Removes the barriers that prevent students from accessing on-grade level content - Lesson sets focus on key foundational skills for each grade level - State certified teachers support and guide students, facilitating discourse and thinking. [![Tutoring with ST Math](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/024ca686-85b1-48de-85c4-2f75d24f28ef.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/024ca686-85b1-48de-85c4-2f75d24f28ef) ## Family Engagement ## Summer School | ![buena-terra-boys-ground-laptops](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/students/buena-terra-boys-ground-laptops.jpg?width=290&height=193&name=buena-terra-boys-ground-laptops.jpg) | ## ST Math Summer Immersion ST Math Summer Immersion provides students in grades K-5 with an opportunity to accelerate math learning during the summer months. Students experience engaging and fun puzzles, lessons, and projects that focus on grade-level development of content knowledge, reasoning skills, and growth mindset. [![Plan for Summer](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/eb6b4979-aaf5-4032-834f-9849f6f149ed.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/eb6b4979-aaf5-4032-834f-9849f6f149ed) | | --- | --- |   ## Extended Day Learning After school and out-of-school-time (OST) programs can provide additional instructional time as well as time to help students develop problem solving skills and  a growth mindset. Research shows that academic programs with sufficient dosage can measurably improve student outcomes ([McCombs, et al, 2017](https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/pages/the-value-of-out-of-school-time-programs.aspx)). Much of the research warns that sufficient planning and goal setting is key to deliver these outcomes ([Hanover Research Council, 2009](https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Best-Practices-for-Out-of-School-Time-OST-Programs-Arlington-Public-Schools.pdf)). Look for:  - High quality content that aligns with the desired outcomes - Programs that encourage students to engage in academic discourse with other students - Materials that build conceptual understanding on grade-level content | ![studentFeedback_girls_JiJiGuineaPig_fistBump](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/students/studentFeedback_girls_JiJiGuineaPig_fistBump.jpg?width=290&height=163&name=studentFeedback_girls_JiJiGuineaPig_fistBump.jpg)   | ## **After School** Afterschool with ST Math can be an opportunity for students to get more ST Math time. Research shows that more time on ST Math leads to [higher gains in math proficiency](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/pdfs/blog-school-activities/Infographic--ST%20Math%20Theory%20of%20Change.pdf?_ga=2.146030068.1977783420.1667571701-367875114.1667571701). | | --- | --- | [![SEL-flyer](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/graphics/SEL-flyer.png?width=952&height=1230&name=SEL-flyer.png)](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/pdfs/st-math-program/SEL-Flyer-ST66.pdf) ## Download Our SEL One-Pager ## [![Download Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/1503a415-a1b4-48ca-8807-da05db4916e9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/1503a415-a1b4-48ca-8807-da05db4916e9) ## SEL in ST Math Gameplay Video games can provide powerful learning experiences that reinforce critical SEL skills such as self-management, self-awareness, and relationship building. In a recent article published by the [Education Development Center](https://www.edc.org/3-ways-promote-social-and-emotional-learning-through-math), mathematics researcher and psychologist Jessica Young explains, “Games \[not only\] help children identify and learn about patterns, number sense and spatial sense, but they also promote self-regulation, turn-taking, fair play, and learning from mistakes.” ST Math helps redefine how students see themselves in relation to their ability to do math. While building academic success, at the same time, ST Math also increases students’ confidence, understanding, and motivation. Students who play ST Math have higher mathematics self-beliefs than non-ST Math students and ST Math’s impact on students’ self beliefs was strongest for students who started with low mathematics scores ([Rutherford, et al](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15391523.2019.1689210)). [Watch Video](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#video-popup-mod)[Play Games](https://stmath.com/play#personalized)       ![SEL-self-belief-graph](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/graphics/SEL-self-belief-graph.png?width=650&name=SEL-self-belief-graph.png) Video games in particular are a great tool for honing SEL skills. Video games can: - Provide informative feedback, teaching students how to give and receive information - Create goals, intrinsically motivating students to persevere - Nurture meaningful growth, giving students a feeling of accomplishment - Establish a safe learning environment, allowing students to comfortably fail and learn from their mistakes - Require cooperation and collaboration, encouraging students to engage in discourse     ## Expanded Learning Through Family Engagement As adults, our attitudes and mindsets around learning have a profound influence on our students' learning. Many adults feel like they are not a math person, like they don’t get it, like math is just not their thing. Unfortunately, not only is this math anxiety hard to get past, it’s also very easy to [transfer to the next generation](https://www.youcubed.org/evidence/parents-beliefs-math-change-childrens-achievement/). One of the best ways to get past math anxiety is to offer positive and accessible experiences in math. Look for: - Programs that are easy for families to access - Programs that encourage engagement from all family members - Ways to engage the whole community | ![Des-Moines_Math-Week_Kids](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/events/Des-Moines_Math-Week_Kids.jpg?width=290&height=218&name=Des-Moines_Math-Week_Kids.jpg)   | ## **Math Weeks** MathMINDs Math Week is a free, all-community event facilitated through a localized math week webpage. The content is centered around storybooks that use real events from different cultures at different points in history to both share the narrative that math is from everywhere and to teach families how to play a corresponding math game. To date, over 25,000 families have participated across 23 Math Weeks. [![Play Free Games](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/9963ce0a-929c-474e-82c4-0f0b27ffaa94.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/9963ce0a-929c-474e-82c4-0f0b27ffaa94) | | --- | --- | | ![fmn-family](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MIND-Research-Institute/MINDResearchInstitute_Feb2017/Annualreport/2017/fmn-family.png?width=290&height=193&name=fmn-family.png)   | ## **Family Workshops** For schools and districts using ST Math, the family workshop is a great way to engage families in the neuroscience-based approach to learning math. Families will discover how learning occurs in ST Math and how to monitor and support students in the program at home. The workshops can be added as part of an [ST Math Professional Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/professional-learning) plan. | | --- | --- | [![play button](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/STMath/PlayButton@2x.png)](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#video-popup2)   ## Expanded Learning Through Family Engagement   As adults, our attitudes and mindsets around learning have a profound influence on our students' learning. Many adults feel like they are not a math person, like they don’t get it, like math is just not their thing. Unfortunately, not only is this math anxiety hard to get past, it’s also very easy to [transfer to the next generation](https://www.youcubed.org/evidence/parents-beliefs-math-change-childrens-achievement/). One of the best ways to get past math anxiety is to offer positive and accessible experiences in math. Look for: - Programs that are easy for families to access - Programs that encourage engagement from all family members - Ways to engage the whole community *Math Weeks:* Math Week is a free, all-community event facilitated through a localized math week webpage. The content is centered around storybooks that use real events from different cultures at different points in history to both share the narrative that math is from everywhere and to teach families how to play a corresponding math game. Most families are familiar with reading a storybook together, which puts them at ease to drive the experience. *Family Math Workshop with ST Math:*  For schools and districts using ST Math, the family math workshop is a great way to engage families in the neuroscience based approach to learning math. The workshops can be added as part of an [ST Math Professional Learning](https://www.stmath.com/professional-learning) plan. ## Research on Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom The value of teaching social emotional learning (SEL) skills is indisputable. Decades of SEL research and its effect on academic performance have linked the development of these skills to “[higher student achievement, more positive student motivation and more socially acceptable classroom behaviors](https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.477.3324&rep=rep1&type=pdf).”  Incorporating SEL into class instruction improves not only social and emotional skills but also academic achievement. Results from a [meta-analysis](https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-does-the-research-say/) that looked across 213 studies involving more than 270,000 students found that: - SEL interventions that address the five core competencies i**ncreased students’ academic performance by 11 percentile points**, compared to students who did not participate. - These are not short-lived effects: follow-up studies completed an average of three to four years after SEL implementation show that gains not only last, but many grow. - Achievement scores for K-12 students who received SEL instruction were **an average of 13 percentile points higher three and a half years later, in comparison to similar students with no SEL instruction.** - Students participating in SEL programs showed improved classroom behavior, an increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school. - Additional meta-analyses echoed these findings. Consistency across independent research teams offers strong support that well-implemented SEL programs are beneficial. Read the [2011 meta-analysis](https://casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/impact-enhancing-students-social-emotional-learning-meta-analysis-school-based-universal-interventions.pdf) (Durlak et al., 2011). Research around the impact of SEL is primarily focused on programs that explicitly teach those skills. More [recent SEL research](https://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/sel-distance-learning) suggests integrating academics with social emotional learning. ## Personalized Learning with ST Math ST Math is a visual instructional program that builds a deep conceptual understanding of math through rigorous learning and creative problem solving to engage, motivate and challenge PreK-8 students toward higher achievement. In ST Math, over 200 visual games create a unique pathway of interconnected content challenges to provide differentiated instruction for individual students, regardless of skill level. Students take their own path to mastery. In order to move to new levels, they must demonstrate mastery at each stage of the objective. To ensure all students develop deep mathematical understanding, the program personalizes their exposure to each concept according to their unique needs. As a result, students are empowered to work through any obstacle as they make their own pathway to mastery. [![Play Sample Games](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/97b857dd-9105-446e-bfc1-e837c008173c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/97b857dd-9105-446e-bfc1-e837c008173c) ## Differentiated Instruction at Pickerington with ST Math [![play button](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/STMath/PlayButton@2x.png)](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#video-popup-1)   *“Our end-all, be-all goal is individualized, personalized, differentiated instruction. ST Math allows students to work at their own pace. It allows student to fill in some of those gaps that may have been missed in previous courses.”* - Brian Seymour, Director of Instructional Technology, Pickerington Local School District, OH [![View Full Profile »](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/34dc0a70-3a3c-4c68-970c-1473f0787fb0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/34dc0a70-3a3c-4c68-970c-1473f0787fb0) ## Marlboro is Using ST Math to Personalize Learning [![play button](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/STMath/PlayButton@2x.png)](https://2024.mindresearch.org/english-learners#video-popup-3)   *“Taking teaching to the next level is really all about individualizing learning for all students. One way that we do that here at Marlboro Township is purposeful use of our digital tools. And ST Math is one of our digital tools that fills an important gap, which other digital tools do not.”* - Michael Ballone, Director Of Curriculum & Instruction, Marlboro Township Schools, NJ [![View Full Profile »](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/4f52f3d4-50c5-42bc-a84f-cc42d28be299.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/4f52f3d4-50c5-42bc-a84f-cc42d28be299) ## Resources [Encouraging Math Success for Students at All Language Levels Explore ways to promote success in mathematics for language learners. Register for Webinar »](https://home.edweb.net/webinar/mindresearch20221129/) [Breaking Barriers to Math Success for English Learners Uncover some considerations to make around EL math success. Free Infographic »](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/EL-Infographic_Final_2022.pdf) [English Learners: Focusing on the Whole Student Ecosystem Learn about EL instructional practices, supporting teacher development, supporting families, and engaging the community. Register for Webinar »](https://home.edweb.net/webinar/mindresearch20221208/) [Breaking the Math Language Barrier Discover simple strategies to help students who struggle with the language of math from Twana Young, Vice President of Curriculum and Instruction. Read the Article »](https://www.languagemagazine.com/2022/05/27/breaking-the-math-language-barrier/) ["Math is their favorite subject" Principal ST Math Review Frank Lammers, principal at Milwaukee German Immersion School, Milwaukee Public Schools, shares how their school embraced ST Math. He gives a review of how ST Math engaged students with immediate access to math regardless of language. Watch Now »](https://www.youtube.com/embed/xilntSUc-to) [ST Math Supports Rogers Street Elementary English Learners (English Translation) Students from Milwaukee Public Schools describe how ST Math has helped them improve their math learning through productive struggle, student engagement, and JiJi fun. Watch Now »](https://www.youtube.com/embed/inWc9zo0Rg8) Ready to see the difference for all students including English Learners? 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