San Francisco Unified School District and County Office of Education
Board Policy 6152.1
Math Placement Policy
This Board Policy applies to the San Francisco Unified School District and the County Office of Education.
Statement of Purpose
The Mathematics Placement Act of 2015 (SB 359) provides that “[a]ll pupils, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background, deserve an equal chance to advance in mathematics. With the shift towards implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, it is particularly important for all pupils to have access to high-quality mathematics programs that meet the goals and expectations of these standards. It is crucial for teachers and guidance personnel to advise pupils and parents on the importance of accurate mathematics course placement and its impact on future college eligibility so pupils may take each course in the mathematics course sequence.”
The Mathematics Placement Act requires a fair, objective, and transparent mathematics placement policy for pupils entering grade 9 that does the following:
- Systematically takes multiple objective academic measures of pupil performance into consideration. For purposes of this policy, “objective academic measures” means measures such as statewide mathematics assessments, placement tests that are aligned to state-adopted content standards in mathematics, classroom assignment and grades, and report cards.
- Includes at least one placement checkpoint within the first month of the school year to ensure accurate placement and permit reevaluation of individual pupil progress. The policy shall offer clear and timely redress for parents and pupils that question placement.
- Requires examination of aggregate pupil placement data annually to ensure that pupils who are qualified to progress in mathematics courses based on the objective academic measures are not held back in a disproportionate manner on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic background.
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Mathematics Course Sequence is designed to give all pupils an equal opportunity to take the courses necessary for college admissions, including admissions at the California State University and University of California.
SFUSD Course Sequence
The SFUSD 4-year course sequence for high school mathematics provides an opportunity for all pupils to complete the courses necessary to be eligible for UC/CSU admissions.
(Please See District for SFUSD Math Course Sequence in District Office)
SFUSD has committed to providing all students with access to the 4-year high school mathematics course sequence that offers the courses necessary for UC/CSU admission. The first year of the SFUSD recommended course sequence in 9th Grade is CCSS Algebra 1. The CCSS Algebra 1 course is a substantial departure from the courses previously taught and labeled as Algebra 1. Many of the topics previously learned in Algebra 1 are not in CCSS Math 8 and material such as geometry, data-analysis, and mathematical modeling are included in CCSS Math 8 and CCSS Algebra 1.
Notwithstanding this recommendation, in the 2025-2026 school year the District will provide Algebra 1 options to all SFUSD students in the 8th grade.
9th Grade Math Placement
- Students who have completed the SFUSD CCSS Math 8 course with a D or better, and who have scored above the Not Met Standards level on the CCSS state assessment, shall be placed in CCSS Algebra 1.
- Students who have completed the SFUSD CCSS Math 8 course with an F, and scored at the Not Met Standards level on the CCSS state assessment, shall also be placed in CCSS Algebra 1, but will be offered the opportunity to participate in additional support intended to bolster their ability to succeed in Algebra 1. These support activities may be offered before or after school, or during lunch, depending on the campus.
- Students who have taken coursework covering all of the standards taught in CCSS Algebra 1 before 9th grade and received a grade of C or higher will be eligible to take CCSS Geometry in 9th grade.
To verify that the student has already learned the standards required for CCSS Algebra 1 , the student must submit a course syllabus, or equivalent, originating from the school or teacher where coursework was completed. Note: If the student took the content through an online course, the online course must be from an accredited institution and must be a-g eligible.
- It is permissible under this policy and the Math Course Sequence policy for students to double up in 9th grade to take both CCSS Algebra 1 and CCSS Geometry, although it is not recommended. This option is subject to space availability.
Placement Checkpoint
Within the first month of placement in CCSS Algebra 1, students will take diagnostic tests to measure pupil progress and support differentiated instruction, and to help ensure accurate placement. Based on this placement check, students will be offered the opportunity to participate in either additional support intended to bolster their ability to succeed in Algebra 1 or extension opportunities where students will be supported to deepen their mathematical understanding. These support activities may be offered before or after school, or during lunch, depending on the campus.
Challenging Placement
A student who is placed in CCSS Algebra 1 at the start of the school year may request placement in CCSS Geometry during the first month of the school year if the student has taken a course covering the standards required for CCSS Algebra 1 and earned a “C” or better in this course.
Data Collection and Review
Annually, the Board will review aggregate pupil placement data to ensure that pupils who are qualified to progress in mathematics courses based on the objective academic measures are not held back in a disproportionate manner on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic background. The Superintendent or designee shall also report on the percentage of District students who have successfully completed mathematics courses that satisfy the requirements for entrance to the University of California and the California State University (Education Code 52060)
Notice
This Math Placement Policy shall be posted on the SFUSD website.
Please note that compare references, or “cf”, refer to CSBA model policies and do not necessarily indicate that the San Francisco Unified School District has adopted the referenced policy.