Algebra measure endorsed by San Francisco voters

San Franciscans voted Tuesday to solve the problem of algebra by demanding that the district bring the subject back into middle schools under Proposition G, as the Chronicle reported.

San Francisco Unified pulled algebra from its middle schools 10 years ago in the name of equity. Critics said this education experiment squandered opportunity for advanced students to excel in math while doing little to close the achievement gap. 

Early election returns showed nearly 85% of voters backing the algebra measure. It was largely seen as a victory for parents, students and community groups that have been fighting to allow eighth graders to take the math course, a foundational step toward a STEM pathway.

“The citizens of San Francisco have spoken, publicly, with their votes that Algebra 1 must be offered to eighth graders,” said Rex Ridgeway, grandfather of a San Francisco Unified student, as the Chronicle reported. “And, it’s about time, after a decade of damage.” 

The measure, which needs a majority to pass, was largely symbolic by election day. The school board had already voted in mid-February to begin a three-year process to reinstate Algebra 1 after years of parent protest.