The Pacific José Valdés Math Institute is a Mathematics intervention program targeting students from the Migrant Education Region 23 in grades 6 and 7. Students attend a 5-week program housed at the Benerd School of Education at the University of the Pacific.

Valdés students are placed into a leveled course of Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, or Pre-Algebra based on their score on the Valdés placement test administered each year to students in grades 6 and 7.

In order to encourage mathematical interaction across grade levels, Valdés teachers are selected from throughout the district and represent all educational levels- elementary, middle, and high school. In the fall, Valdés teachers are interviewed, hired, and then undergo intensive training during which they plan the summer calendar and work on goals for each of the leveled courses. Finally, teachers develop complete lesson plans and share their various expertise with each other.

Participating in each Valdés classroom are two college-aged teaching assistants. Teaching assistants (TA’s) have completed at least one semester of college Calculus or are currently enrolled in Mathematics for Elementary Education course. TA’s seeking careers as educators are especially encouraged to apply. One Site Coordinator directs the site.

Planning and coordination with the University of the Pacific has helped to make the program run smoothly by ensuring that facilities – classrooms, office space, meal space, and a play area – are available to support the program. Further, college support staff work to ensure that the student experience is an enjoyable one by providing a safe, clean, and spacious learning environment.