The Problem

In March 2024, San Francisco voters passed Proposition G with 82% support, urging SFUSD to offer Algebra 1 to students by 8th grade. No opponent argument was even submitted. The message was clear: bring back 8th grade algebra.

Now Superintendent Maria Su and her staff have proposed a math placement policy that technically complies with Prop G — but completely ignores its intent. And Su is bringing this plan to the Board without offering any real alternatives.

Under the plan the central office developed, 19 of 21 middle schools would offer Algebra only as an opt-out elective. That means students who are ready for Algebra — students who have already mastered 8th grade math concepts — would still be required to dual-enroll in 8th grade math and Algebra. To fit both classes into their schedule, they'd have to give up another elective: art, music, a world language, or whatever else makes school worth showing up for.

Only two schools — Alice Fong Yu and Hoover — are exploring a compression model that combines Math 8 and Algebra into a single course. The other 19 are stuck with the dual-enrollment approach that Su's staff designed.

It gets worse. At two schools that only have 6 periods, students taking Algebra through dual enrollment would have no remaining elective at all. And students with special education services or English language development classes? They simply wouldn't have access to Algebra — there's no room in their schedule.

Despite 82% of voters supporting Algebra without requiring students to double up on math, that is precisely the solution the district staff is proposing. You can watch the district's March 5 webinar where they tried to sell this model to families. They still haven't posted the slide deck.

What We're Asking

The Board of Education votes on the new Math Placement Policy (agenda item F.2) on March 24, 2026. The Board wants to get this right — but they need Superintendent Su to bring them a better plan. Right now, the Superintendent is presenting her staff's flawed proposal without offering alternatives. She needs to send it back and demand real options:

Literally any option other than forcing kids to give up an elective and sit through math they're beyond, just to access Algebra.

How SFUSD Compares to Neighboring Districts

Nearly every school district surrounding San Francisco lets prepared students take Algebra 1 as a standalone course in 8th grade — no doubling up, no lost electives. SFUSD is the outlier.

The pattern is clear: the highest-performing districts in the Bay Area offer Algebra as a standalone course. The districts that force doubling up — or don't offer it at all — are the ones falling behind.

Why This Matters

Access to Algebra in 8th grade is one of the strongest predictors of whether a student will complete advanced math in high school and enroll in college. Research consistently shows that early algebra enrollment is linked to higher math achievement, greater likelihood of completing AP math courses, and increased college readiness — especially for underserved students.

SFUSD eliminated 8th grade algebra in 2014 as part of a detracking initiative, pushing all students to take Algebra in 9th grade. After a decade of parent advocacy, the board voted 6-1 in February 2024 to reinstate it, and voters backed that decision overwhelmingly with Prop G's 82% mandate. But the current implementation plan — forcing students to double up — undermines both votes.

Kids shouldn't have to sacrifice the arts to learn math. Tell Superintendent Su to go back to her staff and demand a real plan — one that lives up to what 82% of voters asked for.

Take Action

The Board of Education meets on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30 PM at 555 Franklin Street. The Board wants to support families on this — but they need to hear from you so they can hold the Superintendent and her staff accountable.

1. Email Superintendent Su and the Board using our email tool below — tell Su to send this plan back for revision
2. Show up on March 24 to the board meeting and speak during public comment
3. Share this page with other SFUSD parents and community members