These McGlynn students love math... seriously

According to popular belief, many kids dislike math. The reasons are varied: it’s too hard, boring, not useful and, of course, makes them feel anxious.

But a group of McGlynn Elementary School students earlier this month told Medford school officials how much they love math, especially ST Math, an interactive computer program that challenges them to problem-solve without instruction from either teachers or the program itself.

“ST Math is a journey that helps us grow as thinkers,” said Cayden, a fifth-grader. “JiJi shows us that mistakes are part of learning, not something to be afraid of. Each puzzle helps us practice problem solving, try new ideas and keep going even when it’s tough. ST Math teaches us to stay patient, think creatively and believe that we can do many things.”

McGlynn Principal Andy O’Brien was on hand to speak with the School Committee about how the program is going.

“We’re very excited,” O’Brien said. “It’s been a very big hit this year.”

What is this program?

ST Math is “a PreK–8 supplemental math program designed around how the brain learns best—through visual problem solving and spatial-temporal reasoning,” according to MIND Education’s website.

The company has spent 25 years working with schools to “solve the toughest challenges in math education: how to reach every learner, build true conceptual understanding, and deliver results that last.”

O’Brien said this is the first of a three-year grant for ST Math in Medford. The grant was accepted in spring 2025 and not only includes funding, but also someone who will monitor and assist the district with the program. Staff experimented with the program last year once the city was given the grant.

Medford is part of Cohort 8 in Massachusetts, which uses ST Math statewide.

“We struggle in math,” O’Brien said. “This isn’t something that will replace our core program. Our kids already play Prodigy and it’s fun, but ST Math takes things to a deeper level.”

That level is giving students puzzles that force them to think and, very often, make mistakes.

O’Brien said if you see the demonstration video presented to the School Committee, the ST Math mascot JiJi comes on screen and shows a timeline. On the line are numbers, with zero and three connected. Now, it’s up to the student to figure out what’s next.

“It’s hard, as the demo shows,” O’Brien said. “You don’t know how to attack the problem. You see it, think about it and then try it. If you make a mistake, you keep trying.”

And when you solve the puzzle, JiJi shows you the answer again and moves on to a new problem.

O’Brien said students at McGlynn have found the puzzles tough, but they really love overcoming those challenges.

Plus they can win rewards for their efforts.

“I try to hype it up with incentives,” O’Brien said. “Every week, we have a scoreboard on the office door with all the grade-level leaders.”

And at each grade-level there isn’t only a winner, but the first and second place students have their photos, with a JiJi plush or an ST Math trophy, in the weekly newsletter. Students are also recognized monthly by grade level.

O’Brien said it’s important for students to be recognized for their work. And, the hope is that all the work they’re doing will eventually pan out.

He said a study shows if students hit 80% on their progress benchmark bar, they tend to improve their math scores by nine percentage points on state assessment exams.

Medford’s goal is that its students are at the 80% benchmark by May. That’s 2,000 puzzles over the entire year.

But is it feasible?

“We should be at about 50% by now,” O’Brien said, “but we’re a bit behind.”

He said this is the first year for the program and some teachers are struggling with implementation. The recommendation by ST Math is that students in grades 2-5 participate in the program about 90 minutes a week, or 18 minutes a day. Students in grades K-1 have a goal of 60 minutes per week, or 12 minutes a day.

It’s doable, O’Brien said, but it will take more training with teachers to make sure they do weekly progress check-ins with students. He said it’s an area to work towards improving.

Students pleased with program

So what did McGlynn students have to say?

“I love math! It’s my favorite subject,” said Nanziba. “It has multiplication and helps me with my times tables. It makes me good at math and math quizzes. ST Math makes me smart. ST Math makes math easy for me.”

Claire, a second-grader, said, “What I love about ST Math is the variety of the things it teaches you. I also like using trial and error with no instructions.”

It’s motivating, said Emma, also a second-grader.

“I like ST Math because it encourages you to keep going and try your best," Emma said. "ST Math makes learning fun. While you’re playing games, you’re finding new ways to solve math problems.”

And it’s not just the younger kids who like the program. Fifth-grader Mackenzie said it’s not just a game.

“ST Math is a game that helps us learn, even when you make a mistake,” she said. “When you get it right, you feel like you get the hang of it.”

And yes, it’s not easy.

“ST Math is something that at first, I thought it was going to be  easy, but it was hard at many times,” said Shiv, also a fifth-grader. “I got frustrated at first, but I was very proud in the end and this helps me grow and believe in myself.”

The following 10 students participated in speaking to the School Committee (last names were withheld): Nanziba, Claire, Emma, Lincoln, Dai, Mackenzie, Steve, Shiv, Mohammed, and Cayden.

A proud O’Brien and mascot JiJi stood by as students talked about their experiences with ST Math.

“I was incredibly proud of them,” O’Brien said of the Mustang Moment. “I couldn’t bring my whole school!”