Denver, Colo., Dec 2, 2014 Denver Public Schools, DIRECTV and the non-profit MIND Research Institute today announced a partnership that’s bringing a proven, computer-based math program to three local schools. The grant from DIRECTV provides the ST Math® game-based instructional software to more than 900 students at Carson Elementary, University Preparatory School and Smith Renaissance School, where students, business leaders and educators gathered today to celebrate.
DIRECTV and MIND Research’s partnership in Denver builds on the DIRECTV Math Challenge, which was launched in Los Angeles in 2014 to drive student achievement and inspire K-12 students to love science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
While educators and business leaders embrace the ST Math program because of research that shows it improves students’ understanding and academic growth in math, students often embrace the program because it’s a fun way to learn. One of the highlights of today’s event was a special appearance by life-size JiJi the penguin, a beloved animated character that ushers students through the ST Math games.
“DIRECTV is excited to expand our partnership with MIND Research Institute to reach students and teachers in Denver,” said Mike White, Chairman, President and CEO, DIRECTV. “We know that with JiJi, we can help foster a school culture that fully embraces math education and lays the foundation for future success in STEM fields.”
The DIRECTV grant provides the Denver schools with access to ST Math, teacher training, and year-round educational support. By celebrating the partnership and through special recognition, they are also encouraging a “JiJi culture” at the schools to help ensure success with the program.
“We are thrilled to partner with DIRECTV and MIND Research Institute to expand a successful blended learning approach,” said Emily El Moudaffar, Principal of Smith Renaissance School. “Programs like ST Math will help students to be college and career ready and will help our school and DPS to achieve the vision: Every Child Succeeds.,”
Developed by neuroscientists, MIND’s ST Math instructional software program provides visual, computer-based math games that support deep understanding of concepts covered by Colorado math standards at each grade level. Because the program doesn’t rely on language proficiency or prior math success, it’s accessible for English Language Learners and children with learning disabilities. Students use ST Math on computers or tablet devices in a blended learning environment. The teachers are trained on how to connect the visual puzzles to their conventional symbolic texts, and coached on how to guide children through challenging sections by getting them to express their thinking, rather than simply showing them the solution. In numerous analyses over the years, schools using ST Math have experienced two to three times the growth in math proficiency compared to similar schools not using the program.
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world’s leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 39 million customers in the U.S. andLatin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its over 20 million customers access to more than 195 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, Emmy-award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 13 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina,Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to more than 19 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include two Regional Sports Networks (Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh), and minority ownership interests in Root Sports Northwest and Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com. For more information about DIRECTV in the community, please visit www.directv.com/responsibility.
About MIND Research Institute
MIND Research Institute is a neuroscience and education social benefit organization, dedicated to ensuring that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems. MIND's distinctive visual approach to math and problem-solving is the basis of its innovative, research-proven ST Math® programs for elementary and secondary schools. MIND's programs currently reach over 800,000 students and 31,000 teachers in 2,500 schools in 40 states. For more information, visit www.mindresearch.org.
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