Philosophy

The staff of the Valdes Institute believes that all students can succeed in higher math. The goal of the José Valdés Summer Math Institute is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in programs leading to college entrance and professional careers. The intense summer program prepares students to succeed in Algebra I upon entering high school, with the final goal being success in Calculus before leaving high school. It prepares students to succeed in other advanced high school courses, motivates them to stay in school, and encourages them to enter a college/university preparatory program. The project reduces the risk of students dropping out by providing a viable intervention program at an early age, raising self-esteem, and smoothing the transition from middle school to high school. The high school students continue their progress toward college entrance by either advancing or repeating a course. In addition, they also serve as role models for the middle school students.

• · All students can learn math.
• · Teachers have to believe all students can learn math.
• · Sound teaching will work with all students.
• · Minority students do not need "watered down math" in order to be successful in high level math.
• · Parents must be totally involved with their children's education.
• · All students should enter high school with skills to be successful in Algebra I.
• · This project is "teacher initiated" and teachers make all the important educational decisions.
• · This is a common effort by elementary, middle, and high schools, and university teachers to solve an educational problem.
• · We believe that math is a vehicle to teach students how to think; if successful in math, anything is possible.
• · Truly heterogeneous learning will be achieved when all high school students are able to succeed in calculus before high school graduation.

Math is a subject that can be learned by everyone. Basic skills are the foundation for most abstract thinking. Students who come to the Valdes Institute should be ready for a rigorous curriculum with mastery required. We believe that students will attain high standards when we expect that of them.

There are many reports on math education (College Board, Calfornia standards and framework, NCTM, CMC, TIMSS) which emphasize the importance of understanding the concepts as well as the mathematical manipulations. We help students acquire both.

The California Mathematics Council believes "...that all students have the capacity to become mathematically competent and confident when provided a rigorous and challenging mathematical program supported by high expectations." That expresses well our belief and practice.

This math program expects students to master each math level before advancing on to a higher class level. A detailed description of each math class is provided in the Classes Offered section.

Our Commitment to You

The José Valdés Math Institute never loses sight of the fact that it is an East Side Institution-both literally and figuratively. Its ongoing mission is to increase the number of underrepresented students prepared to succeed in Algebra I in East Side schools; and, as a consequence, increase the number of students taking upper level mathematics courses in subsequent years. Our belief is that our population should reflect the community we serve. Acceptance into the Valdés Institute is a three-fold process: application, placement, and registration. And though some may think otherwise, the Institute does not compromise these essential elements to students' success in an effort to increase the number of one group of students over another.