The S.T. in ST Math
Why, in 1984, did Dr. Barry Marshal drink a petri dish containing the bacterium Helicobacter pylori ?
Stomach Ulcers
Prevailing Medical Wisdom (prior to 1984)
Treatment: Lifestyle & Ongoing medication
Stomach Ulcers
Prevailing Medical Wisdom (prior to 1984)
Treatment: Lifestyle & Ongoing medication
Treatment: One time antibiotics
The truth (known after 1984)
NAEP Math
What are the key features a product should have?
Data. The first thing we do is go to the data dashboard
What problems do you need to solve in your district?
Filling gaps and reinforcing learning
NAEP Math
NAEP Math
If the problem were primarily insufficient data
or insufficient practice, then a 5–10× increase
in spend should have moved the needle... But it didn't
We're treating the symptoms not the cause
If the problem were primarily insufficient data
or insufficient practice, then a 5–10× increase
in spend should have moved the needle... But it didn't
NAEP Math
How is any of this possible?
Spatial Temporal Reasoning is a core brain function
Spatial Temporal Reasoning is a core brain function
It's like the brain's "operating system"
Spatial Temporal Reasoning is a core brain function
It's like the brain's "operating system"
The human cortex is naturally specialized for recognizing and processing paterns
It's like the brain's "operating system"
Spatial Temporal Reasoning is a core brain function
Mathematics is inherently Spatial Temporal
bit.ly/PatternMachine
Deep conceptual understanding
What makes this such a good manipulative?
Let's Play a Game
Let's Play a Game
To ensure that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world's most challenging problems.
OUR MISSION:
MIND Update April 2026
By Nigel Nisbet
MIND Update April 2026
Presentation Slides
