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SF School Board to Vote on Eighth Grade Algebra Proposal

3/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The San Francisco Unified School District board will vote on a proposal to make algebra widely available in eighth grade.
Eighth-grade algebra was removed 12 years ago to give students more time for foundational math.
The policy led to a decline in advanced high school math enrollment and persistent racial gaps.
Economist Thomas S. Dee criticized the plan as equity by lowering standards rather than building foundational skills.

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Story summary

The San Francisco Unified School District board will vote on a proposal to make algebra widely available in eighth grade.
Eighth-grade algebra was removed 12 years ago to give students more time for foundational math.
The policy led to a decline in advanced high school math enrollment and persistent racial gaps.
Economist Thomas S. Dee criticized the plan as equity by lowering standards rather than building foundational skills.