The MIND Institute ST Music + Math Program
combines music keyboarding with technological and conceptual skills to increase
children's ability to think and create. The program is designed to use music as
a bridge to build a better understanding of math reasoning. It allows children
to build upon their areas of strength and increase vocabulary and mathematical
reasoning ability. Rose Drive participates in this innovative program developed
Dr. Gordon Shaw, from the University of California Irvine, along with other
research scientists. Dr. Shaw's research on music and brain function made
headlines in 1993 as the co-discoverer of the "Mozart Effect". His findings
suggest that music training increases the ability to achieve success in math.
Years of research by MIND Institute scientists have proven that music can
enhance how we think and create through spatial temporal reasoning. This spatial
temporal reasoning is crucial in the areas of math and science.
ST Music - Kindergarten through third grade students take part
in weekly enrichment piano keyboard lessons. Using grant funds, the school has
established a piano keyboard lab for this purpose. We currently use funding from
the State of California that is dedicated to music instruction to fund a
part-time music teacher for this program. Continuation of the ST Music component
is dependent upon the availability of continued funding.
ST Math - Kindergarten through fifth grade students take part
in weekly math instruction in the computer lab. Students work with specialized
computer software in a game format to develop problem-solving skills. The
program is aligned to the California Mathematics Content Standards. It develops
math reasoning, trains students in multi-step problem-solving through
visualization, and benefits students at every proficiency level. Children move
through the math levels at their own pace and all children, from those with
learning disabilities to those who are gifted and talented are showing dramatic
gains in understanding of complex math concepts after using this program.
Teachers can also have their students access the math program from classroom
computers to provide additional time for practicing these skills.
The program is available to only a few schools in the district and across the
state. This is due to its initial high cost of implementation. The school would
like to recognize the Rose Drive PTA for their foresight and dedication in
providing much of the funding for this program. The PTA continues to fund the
annual renewal cost to provide the ST Math Program to the children of Rose Drive. If you are interested in learning more about the research or background
behind the MIND Institute ST Math + Music Programs or would perhaps enjoy trying
out some of the games that the children play in this program, please visit the
MIND website at MINDinst.org. To access
sample games just click on the "software"
link.