SFUSD Announces Pilot Schools for Algebra 1 in 8th Grade in 2024-25

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Press Release

San Francisco (March 15, 2024) - San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne today announced the pilot schools that will offer Algebra 1 in eighth grade in the 2024-25 school year, as well as new details in supporting all middle and K-8 schools to provide access to Algebra 1 for students next year.

The San Francisco Board of Education on Feb. 13, 2024 approved a plan to offer Algebra 1 in eighth grade in SFUSD beginning in the 2024-25 school year. The plan calls for ensuring all students are prepared to take Algebra 1 in the eighth grade and increasing the number of underrepresented students in higher level mathematics. The Board of Education also supported the actions necessary to implement the recommendations of Superintendent Wayne to revise SFUSD’s middle school math pathways and curriculum over the next three academic years, from 2024 to 2027.

“We are excited to roll out Algebra 1 in eighth grade across SFUSD middle schools and K-8 schools for the 2024-25 school year,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne said. “We are thoughtfully making these changes with input from our educators and families, recognizing that it will be a learning year for SFUSD to implement Algebra 1 in eighth grade. Throughout this process, we are committed to being responsive to the needs of our school communities.”

SFUSD is providing Algebra 1 in 8th grade in various ways next school year. For the 2024-25 school year, the pilot will include the following prototypes, which were developed with feedback from middle-grade students, parents and guardians, teachers, leaders, and community organizations:

  • Algebra I for All in 8th Grade will be piloted at Alice Fong Yu K-8 School, Roosevelt Middle School, and A.P. Giannini Middle School. 
    • In this prototype, all students are enrolled in Algebra I in eighth grade. Those students who do not demonstrate grade level proficiency will be provided additional support such as access to a Math 8 Lab course.
  • Readiness and Interest will be piloted at Rooftop K-8 School.
    • In this prototype, eighth graders take the Math 8/ Algebra 1 compression course based on readiness or interest. All students who meet the designated proficiency criteria will be automatically enrolled, and will have the option to opt-out. Students who are below proficient may also opt-in.
  • Additional Math Period will be piloted at Aptos Middle School, Willie Brown Jr. Middle School, Everett Middle School, Francisco Middle School, Marina Middle School, and Presidio Middle School.
    • In this prototype, Algebra I will be offered as a second math course during the school day. All students who meet the designated proficiency criteria will be automatically enrolled, and will have the option to opt-out. Students who are below proficient may also opt-in.

Pilot schools were selected based on the readiness of staffing and students. For example, some schools will be able to pilot Algebra 1 because there are students who have already met the designated proficiency criteria above and have adequate staffing to provide Algebra 1 instruction.

For schools that won’t be piloting an Algebra 1 prototype during the 2024-25 school year, eighth graders will have access to Algebra 1 in the following ways:

  • Summer Algebra 1 Intensive will be offered in 2025 to eighth graders between their eighth and ninth grade years.  Students will have the option to apply to the program. 
  • Online Algebra 1 Course will be offered during the 2024-25 school year to eighth graders. Students will have access to two online options for Algebra 1. 

All schools, regardless of their Algebra 1 offering, will have the ability to pilot a new math curriculum. The Math 6-8 Curriculum offers foundation concepts of math, including algebra, geometry, and statistics. 

“Expanding access to Algebra 1 for all SFUSD eighth graders this coming academic year is an example of our commitment to educational excellence,” SF Board of Education President Lainie Motamedi said. “All of our students will gain access to advanced math coursework as these pilots roll out across our middle and K-8 schools.” 

All middle and K-8 schools will also be providing various types of intervention supports:

  • Math lab will be offered for students who are below proficiency.
  • Dreambox will be available in schools and at home. Dreambox is a tool for students to practice certain skills toward proficiency, and families have actionable data about where their child is making progress toward those skills.
  • Tutoring IXL: Students who are not at grade level proficiency will be prioritized for tutoring.

As the district evaluates these three approaches, it will also work toward piloting and adopting a new math curriculum, organizing the curriculum to ensure all sixth and seventh graders learn the material necessary for success in Algebra, increasing the participation of underrepresented students in high level math, and providing academic support for students. View the timeline to implement Algebra 1 in eighth grade in all SFUSD schools by 2026-27.

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