‘Failed experiment.’ San Francisco officials, parent coalition want to reverse equity-focused math policies

In 2014, San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) stopped offering algebra in 8th grade, ostensibly to make outcomes more “equitable.”

Now, the city council – and concerned parents – want to bring it back.

“We stopped offering … 8th grade algebra because not every student was prepared for it. How is that a solution?” asked SF Supervisor Joel Engardio in a social media post announcing he will introduce a ballot measure to address the issue. “By delaying algebra, math-loving kids in San Francisco are punished because they won’t be able to take calculus coursework by high school graduation – and this hurts college options.

“Delaying algebra until 9th grade didn’t improve outcomes. A study by Stanford University showed the policy ‘had little to no impact on improving pass rates, proficiency or enrollment in higher math classes.” 

In fact, data compiled by EdSource reveals that SFUSD’s math scores have worsened in the past nine years – with 3-6% declines across all racial demographics. 

Overall, just 45% of students meet or exceed grade level math standards. But only 18% of Hispanic and 9% of African American students are proficient at math.  

“Right now kids are falling behind,” said Meredith Dodson, executive director of the San Francisco Parent Coalition. “That’s why we’re calling on the district to act with urgency and offer a concrete plan to improve math learning outcomes.” 

Engardio and fellow supervisor Asha Safai are proposing the ballot measure together, which will allow voters to decide if algebra should be brought back to middle school. 

“What they’ve done over the last decade has been a failed experiment, bringing no value to families and students in the name of equity,” said Safai.  

SFUSD is also slated to propose math policy reforms to the SF Board of Education next year. A nearby school district was even successfully sued by parents for preventing students from taking harder math classes, again in the name of equity. 

However, the state Board of Education recently approved “equity” and “social justice” focused math frameworks that have been criticized by education experts and lawmakers alike. 

“Math concepts can be difficult to grasp, and there is nothing wrong with meeting kids where they are, but ‘woke math’ isn’t the answer,” said Sen. Scott Wilk, R-District 21, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “If California wants to be a STEM leader it needs to keep high standards, and prove to minority students and students in underserved communities that they have the power within them to master those standards.”