Our community decided that its #1 priority this year was to bring algebra back to SF's middle schools.* We
created a map showing which bay area school districts give kids the opportunity to take algebra in 7th or 8th grade, so people can see which kids have access to opportunity... and which kids don't.
* We created flyers explaining the problem, and
talked with voters at the farmers' market. (This is the most popular issue we've ever worked on.)
* We started a
petition to bring algebra back to middle school, gathered
2300 signatures in less than 30 days, and sent the petition to our school board. The Superintendent admitted that our current math pathways aren't working, and the district is now gathering community feedback on algebra. The school board will vote on algebra February 13.
* We are supporting
Supervisor Joel Engardio's measure to bring algebra back. This measure would put algebra on the ballot this spring, letting voters send a message about the kind of educational opportunities they'd like for SF's children. Along with Rex Ridgeway, Maya Keshevan, and other advocates, we
spoke at the Board of Supervisors meeting where the measure was introduced.
* We are keeping parents, teachers, and other community members informed about algebra via our
Facebook group and our
newsletter.