"The class was pulled in an attempt to reform middle school mathematics to promote equity and reduce racial disparities in math. But instead, a 2023 Stanford study found it had the opposite effect: Participation in AP math in high school dropped by 15 percent, and wide racial gaps in math test scores remained."
"For over a decade, SFUSD has been one of just a handful of Bay Area school districts that do not offer Algebra 1 in middle school. Over the past three years, the district has promised to reinstate the course."
"The district posed several problems that could get in the way of students and solving the quadratic equation: Namely, that eighth grade teachers haven't taught algebra in years, that introducing complicated math problems too quickly could lead to a high re-take levels once students enter high school."
The San Francisco school board unanimously approved offering Algebra 1 as an elective for eighth graders, following its removal in 2014. A Stanford study revealed that the previous removal led to decreased participation in AP math and persistent racial disparities in test scores. Parents and community members pushed for reinstatement through petitions and a lawsuit. Despite the district's slow rollout, nearly 82 percent of voters supported restoring Algebra 1, addressing concerns about teacher preparedness and student workload.
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