MIND Research Institute

MIND Research Institute aims to mathematically equip all students to solve the world's most challenging problems.

In the early 1990s, three University of California researchers united behind a simple yet innovative idea: let's teach math how children learn—through visuals and experiences. In 1998, they created an independent nonprofit now known as MIND Research. They applied that experiential learning approach to developing innovative, visually-based software games, making Spatial-Temporal (ST) Math®. ST Math is a visual instructional program that builds a deep conceptual understanding of math through rigorous learning and creative problem-solving. The program deeply engages, motivates, and challenges students toward higher achievement. We investigate fundamental questions about education, mathematics, and brain functioning through ongoing research. We work to create unique and effective learning environments for students and teachers, both in and out of the classroom.

MIND is reaching over 2.2 million students and 115,000 teachers nationwide in more than 7,400 schools. Headquartered in Irvine, we serve many students and teachers in Orange County and the surrounding Southern California regions. The demand for workers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields continues to grow. A deep conceptual understanding of math creates the problem-solving foundation supporting all areas of STEM. From our visual instructional ST Math program to our ongoing research to our community-based initiatives and partnerships, we are equipping students to be the problem solvers the future workforce--and the world--needs. Schools using ST Math have repeatedly proven to double or triple their growth in math proficiency compared to non-ST Math schools on state assessments. In March 2018, WestEd released a study on ST Math evaluating average math scale scores and the proportion of proficient or above students and sampling 42,000 students in 240 schools representing 78 districts across 14 states. For both measures, grades that implemented ST Math with fidelity improved significantly more than similar grades that did not use the program.  ST Math’s patented, evidence-based approach makes it the only math program that delivers equitable impact for all student groups. Whether they are above or below grade level, classified as gifted and talented or special education, emerging bilingual or native English speakers – all thrive when they experience math through our program.

An established thought leader in our field, MIND holds a wide-ranging portfolio of patents for our inventions in neuroscience, spatial-temporal reasoning, and education technology. Our patents demonstrate our effort to completely reinvent computer-based learning environments to improve student learning outcomes drastically. They also speak to the fundamental uniqueness of ST Math's visual instructional design and approach.

Additionally, MIND has achieved prestigious industry recognition and many awards, including:

2023: SIIA CODiE Award Finalist Best Foundational Mathematics Instructional Solution for Grades PK - 8 and Best Learning Recovery Tool
2021: SIIA CODiE Award Best Foundational Mathematics Instructional Solution
2020: SIIA CODiE Education Technology Award Finalist for Best Game-Based Curriculum Solution.
2019: SIIA Education Technology CODiE Award Finalist for Best Mathematics Instructional Solution for Grades PreK-8

1. General operating support enables MIND to expand the reach and scope of ST Math and peripheral programs and activities that further our mission in schools and districts that need financial help. It provides the flexibility to allocate funding towards expenses that don't receive support through program grants, such as administration and management, that are critical to the organization's day-to-day operations and program implementations.

2. Professional Learning support to enrich development among educators and resources to expand not only ST Math in schools nationwide but also program offerings that foster student's conceptual understanding of math and promote academic achievement and career success, including MathMINDs, Summer Immersion, Early Learning, ST Math Camps, ST Math Tutoring powered by VIP Teacher, and the ST Math Assessment Support Tool.

3. Support for research and development. MIND continually reinvests in its programs and services as a nonprofit organization by enhancing existing programs and creating new ones. We investigate fundamental questions about learning, mathematics, and the brain's workings through ongoing research.

4. Volunteers and ST Math Champions to assist with activities to engage students with hands-on immersion activities that will deepen their interest in math and encourage students to pursue STEM-related careers.

5. Assistance with media outreach.

MIND Research Institute's programs serve students across all 50 states, and we continue expanding our reach. Over 100,000 students in approximately 225 schools in Orange County utilize our ST Math program. 

ST Math differs from other educational programs in many ways: based on neuroscience research and designed to teach the way children learn math; positively impacts all students – including students that struggle with reading or English Language Learners, as well as demonstrated effectiveness across a variety of schools/districts (urban, suburban, and rural);
proven to be scalable, easy to use, and integrates with the conventional curriculum (no constraints on publisher or approach) in any school (no changes required to school structure) and by any teacher; and,
Promote student engagement, enthusiasm, and deep conceptual understanding through creative, game-based play versus rote memorization.

Specifically, with this program, we ASPIRE to:
Advance a new generation of 21st-century critical thinkers and creative problem solvers.
Strengthen the path for youth towards STEM careers for a more robust and diversified workforce.
Promote cultural change to shift perceptions around math from scary and frustrating to exciting and essential!
Improve math performances and experiences for today's students.
Reinforce the importance of math skills by engaging students and educators in new learning and teaching methods.
Empower students to become future innovators who solve the world's most challenging problems.

“Mathematics was my favorite subject growing up and I even minored in it in college. The subject teaches problem solving and critical thinking skills that are helpful throughout our work and personal lives. I am thrilled to join the board of MIND Research Institute and help all students become more engaged and proficient in math.” - Dr. Terry Crane