The work of Math Pathways & Pitfalls is based on over two decades of research and development at WestEd. Spearheaded by Dr. Carne Barnett-Clarke, we began as the Math Case Methods Project, a professional development project aimed at developing an ethnically, linguistically and pedagogically diverse cadre of teachers with strong pedagogical content knowledge. These national teacher discussion groups clamored for materials for students that would increase their mathematical content knowledge and mathematical language use. These were the roots of Math Pathways & Pitfalls. Since Dr. Clarke’s retirement, the project is led by Jose Franco and Katie Salguero.
Contact Information
Jose Franco
510.302.4256
[email protected]
Katie Salguero
650.381.6426
[email protected]
Math Pathways and Pitfalls
2470 Mariner Square Loop
Alameda, CA 94501
Jose Franco
Senior Research Associate
As Co-Director of WestEd’s Math Pathways & Pitfalls, Jose Franco helps to develop professional learning online modules and disseminate materials.
Prior to joining WestEd, Jose Franco worked for the EQUALS Program at the University of California, Berkeley, and for the past 13 years served as the EQUALS Director. A strong understanding of mathematical concepts and effective teaching techniques is at the core of EQUALS.
While at EQUALS, Franco directed various grant-funded projects, including: Bridges to Excellence: Achievement in Mathematics, funded by the California Postsecondary Education Commission and the U.S. Department of Education; English Language Development in Mathematics Institute, funded by the University of California Office of the President; Family Advocacy in Mathematics Education Project, funded by the Lucent Technologies Foundation; After School Mathematics and Science Project, funded by the California Department of Education; and Science and Math in Spanish-language Media, funded by the National Science Foundation.
The Science and Math in Spanish-language Media project is an example of an initiative that has had a national impact in its four years of existence. The initiative’s deliverables have already reached families in California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona through community-based newspapers, on radio, in parent involvement classes, at community festivals, and on the Internet. With ongoing exposure via the Internet and Spanish-language radio, Franco expects families from throughout the world to hear about, view, and download mathematics and science activities for use with their children.
Franco was also a K-6 bilingual teacher for over a decade in Colorado and California. He has conducted numerous presentations on family involvement, equity, mathematics education, and second language acquisition at the local, state, national, and international levels. In addition, he has written articles for publications such as Thoughts and Deeds: Equity in Mathematics and Science, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science; Changing the Faces of Mathematics: Perspectives on Latinos, published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; and Advocating for Equity and Diversity Within the Context of Standards-Based Reform, published by the NCTM Standards Impact Research Group.
He received a BA in elementary education from Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado and an MA in mathematics education from San Francisco State University.
About WestEd
Math Pathways & Pitfalls is a project of WestEd, a research, development, and service agency whose mission is to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve learning for children, youth, and adults. Since its inception in 1966, WestEd has been guided by knowledge from research and practice, drawing on an ever-growing and constantly refined database in development.
Visit the WestEd website to learn more about WestEd’s programs of work and its impact. Keep current on the latest WestEd news, products, events, and research.