ACTION ALERT: Algebra in 8th grade

We don't usually do this, but this is too important

Mar 17, 2026

We’ve fought for years to get algebra back into 8th grade, and now we are on the brink, but SFUSD’s proposed algebra plan would force students into taking both regular 8th grade math and Algebra 1 as an elective. This means kids who are ready for algebra will have to take math they are already beyond, and they’ll have to choose between algebra (and college readiness!) and other electives like art, music, or a foreign language.

This is not what San Franciscans voted for. In March 2024, 82% supported Proposition G, calling for 8th grade algebra to come back.

WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION NOW!

Do this by Friday the 20th: Use our email tool to tell Superintendent Su that kids shouldn’t have to choose between math and art. She MUST revise the plan to let kids in 6th and 7th grade accelerate their learning.

Email Superintendent Su

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:

Accelerated learning in 6th and 7th grade so students can complete 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math by the end of 7th grade — ready for Algebra as their only math class in 8th grade

Standalone Algebra 1 placement for students who demonstrate readiness, without requiring dual enrollment in 8th grade math

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.