As Co-Director of WestEd’s Math Pathways & Pitfalls, Jose Franco helps to develop professional learning online modules and disseminate materials.
Math Pathways & Pitfalls supports teaching practices and materials to improve students’ mathematics achievement and academic language development. In 2009, the first-of-its-kind K-8 intervention curriculum was developed for educators as a series of books, posters, CDs, and DVDs.
The Math Pathways & Pitfalls publishing team worked across multiple departments, ultimately leading the way in developing processes, procedures, protocols, and standards for excellence in publishing at WestEd.
In 2009, Franco and his Math Pathways & Pitfalls colleagues received the Award for Exceptional Contribution to the WestEd Community.
Prior to joining WestEd, 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; and English Language Development in Mathematics Institute, funded by the University of California Office of the President.
A former K-6 bilingual teacher, Franco has conducted numerous presentations on family involvement, equity, mathematics education, and second language acquisition. In addition, he has written articles for a number of publications.
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.