SFUSD to Offer Algebra 1 in 8th Grade Beginning in 2024-25 School Year

Press Release

San Francisco (February 14, 2024) - The San Francisco Board of Education approved a plan to offer Algebra 1 in eighth grade in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) beginning in the 2024-25 school year at its regular meeting Tuesday. The plan calls for ensuring all students are prepared to take Algebra in the 8th grade and increasing the number of underrepresented students in higher level mathematics.

With its approval of the plan, the Board of Education also supported the actions necessary to implement the recommendations of Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne to revise SFUSD’s middle school math pathways and curriculum over the next three academic years, from 2024 to 2027.

SFUSD’s current math course sequence, adopted in 2014, offers Algebra 1 in ninth grade, with various acceleration options available in high school. With this change, the district will work toward offering Algebra 1 in eighth grade during the school day at all middle and K-8 schools by the 2026-27 school year. 

Because SFUSD has different school configurations and programs, the district’s plan is to pilot three prototypes in 2024-25 to determine the best ways to offer Algebra 1 and build capacity with staff in schools. To ensure all interested eighth graders have the opportunity to take Algebra 1, the district will also offer an online Algebra 1 course during the 2024-25 school year and a summer Algebra 1 course in 2025. 

“We greatly appreciate input from our students, educators and families on how we teach math in middle and high schools, and prepare our elementary students for success,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne said. “We will evaluate these approaches while remaining focused on our goal of increasing students’ math achievement, particularly our students whom SFUSD has historically underserved.”

“SFUSD and the Board of Education remain committed to expanding learning opportunities for all of our students, using data and evidence-based decision making centered on student success,” Board of Education President Lainie Motamedi said. “These changes are about creating access for all students to advanced math. Hard work lies ahead, and today I want to recognize this significant step forward.”

The three pilot prototypes were developed with feedback from middle-grade students, parents and guardians, teachers, leaders, and community organizations. SFUSD expects to implement the prototypes at approximately one-third of K-8 and middle schools in 2024-25. The prototypes are:

1. Algebra 1 for All in Eighth Grade: All students are enrolled in Algebra I in eighth grade. Students who do not demonstrate grade-level proficiency will also receive additional support such as  a Math 8 Lab.
2. Readiness and Interest: Eighth graders take a 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.
3. Additional Math Period: Algebra I is 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.

Learn more about the three pilot prototypes. 

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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