José Franco

Overview

José Franco uses his K–12 mathematics pedagogy expertise to provide technical assistance to educators with a focus on concurrently enriching students’ mathematical comprehension and academic language development. As Director of the Math Pathways & Pitfalls program, Franco advocates for teachers to orchestrate mathematics discussions that enhance student voices and identities. When working with educators who teach multilingual learners, he helps them plan lessons that teach the content and English language development in tandem.  

Math Pathways & Pitfalls was designed to support the simultaneous development of mathematical concepts and language, and the power of this dual focus is reflected in findings from our research studies. Results from a study funded by the U.S. Department of Education indicate that exposure to the program’s materials raises scores on project-administered and standardized mathematics tests for Latinx students, multilingual learners, and English-proficient students. A National Science Foundation evaluation found significant impacts for students that were geographically, ethnically, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse. Math Pathways & Pitfalls builds on what we know is good for all students

Prior to joining WestEd, Franco worked for 19 years for EQUALS, an equity in mathematics program based at the University of California, Berkeley, and served 13 years as EQUALS Director. He was also a founding director and president of a National Council of Teachers of Mathematics affiliate, TODOS: Mathematics for All. TODOS advocates for equity and excellence in math education for all students, particularly Latinx students. Previously, Franco was a K–8 bilingual and migrant education teacher in Colorado and California.  

Education

• MA in mathematics education, San Francisco State University 
• Certificate in children’s literature, California State University 
• BA in elementary education (emphasis on bilingual education), Metropolitan State College 

Select Publications

Shaw, K., Karell, N., Salguero, K., & Franco, J. (2021). Bridging the gap through mathematical discussions. California Mathematics Council.

Baskett, R., BichLoan Duong, A., Franco, J., & Morales-Van Hecke, M. (2020). A pathway to equitable math instruction: Connecting critical intersections. Education Trust West. 

Franco, J., & Hakansson, S. (2007). TODOS & Texas Instruments: Lessons from research and practice. 

Martin, D., Franco, J., & Mayfield-Ingram, K. (2004). Advocating for equity and diversity within the context of standards-based reform. Standards Impact Research Group (SIRG), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 

Honors, Awards, and Affiliations

2016, Iris M. Carl Award Equity Leadership Award, TODOS: Mathematics for All 

2011–2015, WestEd Equity Council 

2010–2012, President of TODOS: Mathematics for All, NCTM Affiliate 

2003, one of the founding directors of TODOS: Mathematics for All, NCTM Affiliate

Recent Media Appearances

• S5/E27: A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction with Rachel Ruffalo, Malane Morales-Van Hecke and José Franco, Ellevation Education podcast, December 8, 2020