San Francisco releases 3 options for middle school algebra

Details: The first of the three options would allow students to choose between the current eighth-grade math class as is and a curriculum that also covers Algebra 1, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

• The second would add Algebra 1 as an elective during or before the school day.
• The third would make Algebra 1 a summer intensive course, which rising ninth graders would be able to opt into.

Of note: The latter two options would require SFUSD to hire more teachers, which could cost up to $200,000 if the district moves forward with offering summer math sections, the Chronicle notes.

The big picture: Public schools in the city taught algebra in the eighth grade until the school board voted in 2014 to have students wait until high school to learn Algebra 1.

• The move was designed to address systemic inequities that prevent Black and Latino students from accessing higher-level courses at the same rate as their peers.
• These barriers can have long-term impacts on higher education and career pursuits.

Yes, but: Large racial and ethnic gaps in advanced math enrollment persisted even after the 2014 policy change, Stanford researchers found in a March study.

• Some local advocacy groups have also countered that denying middle school students the opportunity to learn algebra ultimately hurts disadvantaged kids and drives families out of public schools.

What's next: The school board will hear the proposed policy change on Feb. 13.

• Under superintendent Matt Wayne, the district is also reworking its approach to foundational skills as it considers ways to bolster students' engagement with math curricula.