Lindsey Rothschild: ST Math rollout undermines crucial non-academic time for students

While the article ”Making math visual” [Sept. 30] highlights the benefits of ST Math, it overlooks a critical issue in its implementation, particularly at the middle school level. Students are being required to complete this program during the first 15 minutes of their specials — the only hour of non-academic time in their day dedicated to gym, music, art, library, or health.

With already minimal time for these activities, it’s disheartening that this time is now being used for math. As a parent of a sixth grader, I was frustrated to learn from my child — not the school — that they would be spending the first 15 minutes of specials doing math. Initially, I thought this was a misunderstanding, but after confirming it, I was disappointed.

Programs like music, art, PE and library are essential for developing creativity, physical health, and social-emotional learning. These activities foster students’ emotional well-being, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, offering a necessary balance to the academic demands of the day. With so many cuts to specials and no foreign language programs, our school schedules seem increasingly driven by testing.

This approach feels unfair to both students and specials teachers, diminishing vital opportunities for students’ holistic development. While ST Math may offer value, its current rollout undermines the balance between academic and non-academic learning that is crucial for a well-rounded education.

Lindsey Rothschild

Easthampton