May 6th, 2026
Math Bridge instructors from across the Central Valley gathered at the Merced Business Resource Center on May 4th for our annual Instructional Planning Session, affectionately known as “May the Fourth” in celebration of its Star Wars-inspired theme. What began as a playful nod to the calendar has become a meaningful tradition rooted in collaboration, reflection, and forward-thinking planning.
The day opened with a comprehensive review of 2025–2026 Math Bridge outcomes, giving instructors the opportunity to see the tangible impact of their work. From student success data to pre- and post-assessment insights, educators engaged in thoughtful conversations about what’s working and where there’s room to grow.
A central focus of the morning was a deep dive into Statistics (STAT C1000), where instructors discussed course variations, compared assessment approaches, and began drafting updates for the upcoming year. These conversations reinforced a shared goal: ensuring consistency while allowing flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students.
If there was one theme that stood out throughout the day, it was the power of collaboration. Instructors repeatedly shared that the most valuable part of the convening was simply having time to connect.
From reviewing curriculum and refining pacing guides to sharing classroom strategies and challenges, educators leaned into the collective expertise of the group. New instructors especially noted how impactful it was to learn from experienced colleagues and build connections across campuses.
The afternoon shifted toward planning for 2026–2027, with structured time for teams to align calendars, refine curriculum, and develop assessments. Topics included:
- Pre-Stats and Statistics course alignment
- Co-teaching strategies between high school and college faculty
- Scheduling and pacing for the academic year
- Development of shared grading checkpoints and assessments
Instructors also explored updates to CT Bridge, professional development resources, and tools to better support students, such as transcript ordering and alumni tracking.
Math Bridge continues to exemplify what’s possible when high school and college systems work together. By aligning curriculum, sharing data, and co-planning instruction, this partnership creates a seamless experience for students, particularly those who may have previously struggled with math or questioned their college readiness.
This year’s convening brought together educators from a wide network of partner institutions, including San Joaquin Delta College, Merced College, Reedley College, Taft College, Lemoore College, and numerous high schools across the region. This cross-institutional collaboration is what makes Math Bridge so impactful, uniting diverse perspectives around a shared mission.
As the day wrapped up, one thing was clear: the force is strong with Math Bridge. Instructors left energized, equipped with new ideas, and ready to build on this year’s successes. As one instructor anonymously reflected:
“It was a good meeting. Thanks for the food! May the force be with you.”
May the Fourth—and the momentum—be with us as we head into 2026–2027.
Want to learn more about the work College Bridge is doing to expand equitable access to college-level learning? Visit our website to explore Math Bridge and its impact.
