Latest news with #GradingForEquity
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
San Francisco scraps 'equity grading' program following backlash
San Francisco's education chief was today forced into a humiliating U-turn on a woke new program to lower pass marks in an effort to promote 'equity.' Superintendent of Schools Maria Su unveiled the new 'Grading for Equity' plan last night that would have seen homework and weekly testing scrapped, with students allowed to pass with scores as low as 41 - down from the current pass mark of 61. But just hours later on Wednesday afternoon, Su released a statement following widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum saying the district would hold off on implementing the move for a year. She said: 'At the May 27 Board of Education meeting, we presented a proposal for a professional development opportunity in standards-based grading. There was no action taken at the meeting. No changes to grading practices have been adopted by the district or Board of Education. 'We hold every SFUSD student to high standards, and our goal is to support student success by prioritizing learning and mastery. It's clear there are a lot of questions, concerns, and misinformation with this proposal. 'We want to make sure any changes benefit our students. I have decided not to pursue this strategy for next year to ensure we have time to meaningfully engage the community. 'Right now we need to continue to focus on balancing our budget, stabilizing the district, and rebuilding trust.' Ro Khanna, a Democratic congressman for Silicon Valley known for his progressive values, had slammed the move on X, writing: 'My immigrant dad asked me where the missing 10% went when I scored a 90. He came to America for the chance to work hard & pursue excellence. 'Giving A's for 80 percent & no homework is not equity - it betrays the American Dream and every parent who wants more for their kids.' According to The Voice of San Francisco , the plan was set to go into effect later this fall. The outlet reported that the new plan would have essentially eliminated homework and weekly testing from making up a student's final semester grade. A student's grade would be based solely on their final examination, which they can also take multiple times. Students can also be late in handing in assignments or even fail to appear in class without it having an effect on their overall mark. Current thresholds in place mean a student needs a 90 for an A and at least 61 for a D. The changes mean a score as low as 80 now counts as an A, while a mark of 21 counts as a D. Democrat Garry Tan, a venture capitalist, also blasted the move. He said: 'San Francisco schools is trying its absolute hardest to make sure all middle income families who could move out of the city do so right away. ''Grading for Equity' is going to be a real disaster and I guess this is a boon for SF private schools and Burlingame housing prices. 'For education bureaucrats who ruin our public schools with the most unfair and anti-merit polices: BUSINESS IS BOOMING. 'Someone needs to investigate the Schools of Education that spawn these policies because it is a real danger to public schools everywhere.' Entrepreneur Chamath Palihapitiya added: 'This is, on its face, absolutely retarded. It's also a disgrace that this comes from the preeminent tech capital of the world. 'This will, however, be very good for housing prices in areas surrounding SF.' According to the outlet, the district had consulted Joe Feldman who had helped implement a similar system in Placer County in 2019. In an article on the School Superintendents Association in 2019, Feldman said: 'The percentage of students receiving D's and F's decreased — and decreased more dramatically for students of color and for students with special needs. 'Grade inflation, as measured by the rate of students receiving A's, decreased, and they dropped more dramatically among more privileged student populations. 'Students' grades didn't just improve; they were more accurate. Improved grading practices significantly decreased the difference between students' grades and their scores on standardized assessments of that content, and the effect was stronger and more likely for students who qualified for free or reduced-price lunch. 'Students and teachers reported less stressful classrooms and stronger teacher-student relationships.' The Voice said that the new system would be modeled on a system used in the San Leandro Unified School District. At that school district, pupils can earn an A with a score of 80 percent and achieve a pass with a D at 21 percent.
Fox News
29-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
San Francisco school district ditches proposed 'Grading for Equity' strategy after backlash from community
The San Francisco Unified School District will not be moving forward with a controversial equity grading strategy that was proposed this week after significant backlash. The strategy, known as "Grading for Equity," was presented during a SFUSD Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, according to Superintendent Maria Su, with the goal of offering "professional development opportunity in standards-based grading." Under the proposed standards, how a student scores on the final exam, which could be taken multiple times, would be what counts toward their grade for the semester, according to the Voice of San Francisco. Homework and weekly tests would not impact the grade, and neither would late assignments, tardiness to class or absence from school. The letter-grade system would also be significantly altered, allowing students who score an 80 to receive an A and students who score as low as a 21 to pass with a D, which models the "Grading for Equity" system in the San Leandro Unified School District, Voice of San Francisco reported. The new system was supposed to be tested by 70 teachers in 14 SFUSD schools until the community, including the mayor and lawmakers, spoke out against the proposal. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie wrote on X that the younger generation is owed "an education that prepares them to succeed" and the "changes to grading at SFUSF would not accomplish that." "I have conveyed our view to SFUSD. We are optimistic that there is a better path forward for our kids and their future," he wrote, in part. U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., called out the proposal, sarcastically describing it as a "brilliant solution." "San Francisco has come up with a brilliant solution for its failing schools. Students simply won't be failed," Kiley wrote on X. "Under the new 'Grading for Equity' plan, Fs are now Cs; Bs are now As; homework and tests are ungraded; truancy is unpunished; and finals can be re-taken again and again." U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., also shared his opinion on the proposed grading system on his personal X account. "My immigrant dad asked me where the missing 10% went when I scored a 90. He came to America for the chance to work hard & pursue excellence. Giving A's for 80% & no homework is not equity—it betrays the American Dream and every parent who wants more for their kids," he wrote. A statement from Su on SFUSD's X account on Wednesday said that there have been no changes to grading practices within the school district and no action was taken at the meeting. She said each student within the school district is held to a high standard and SFUSD's goal is to "support student success by prioritizing learning and mastery." "It's clear that there are a lot of questions, concerns and misinformation with this proposal. We want to make sure any changes benefit our students," Su wrote, in part.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
San Francisco's education chief forced into humiliating U-turn on woke 'Grading for Equity' program
San Francisco's education chief was today forced into a humiliating U-turn on a woke new program to lower pass marks in an effort to promote 'equity.' Superintendent of Schools Maria Su unveiled the new 'Grading for Equity' plan last night that would have seen homework and weekly testing scrapped, with students allowed to pass with scores as low as 41 - down from the current pass mark of 61. But just hours later on Wednesday afternoon, Su released a statement following widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum saying the district would hold off on implementing the move for a year. She said: 'At the May 27 Board of Education meeting, we presented a proposal for a professional development opportunity in standards-based grading. There was no action taken at the meeting. No changes to grading practices have been adopted by the district or Board of Education. 'We hold every SFUSD student to high standards, and our goal is to support student success by prioritizing learning and mastery. It's clear there are a lot of questions, concerns, and misinformation with this proposal. 'We want to make sure any changes benefit our students. I have decided not to pursue this strategy for next year to ensure we have time to meaningfully engage the community. 'Right now we need to continue to focus on balancing our budget, stabilizing the district, and rebuilding trust.' Ro Khanna, a Democratic congressman for Silicon Valley known for his progressive values, had slammed the move on X, writing: 'My immigrant dad asked me where the missing 10% went when I scored a 90. He came to America for the chance to work hard & pursue excellence. 'Giving A's for 80 percent & no homework is not equity - it betrays the American Dream and every parent who wants more for their kids.' According to The Voice of San Francisco, the plan was set to go into effect later this fall. The outlet reported that the new plan would have essentially eliminated homework and weekly testing from making up a student's final semester grade. A student's grade would be based solely on their final examination, which they can also take multiple times. Students can also be late in handing in assignments or even fail to appear in class without it having an effect on their overall mark. Current thresholds in place mean a student needs a 90 for an A and at least 61 for a D. The changes mean a score as low as 80 now counts as an A, while a mark of 21 counts as a D. Democrat Garry Tan, a venture capitalist, also blasted the move. He said: 'San Francisco schools is trying its absolute hardest to make sure all middle income families who could move out of the city do so right away. The move has been widely criticized on social media even from Democrats ''Grading for Equity' is going to be a real disaster and I guess this is a boon for SF private schools and Burlingame housing prices. 'For education bureaucrats who ruin our public schools with the most unfair and anti-merit polices: BUSINESS IS BOOMING. 'Someone needs to investigate the Schools of Education that spawn these policies because it is a real danger to public schools everywhere.' Entrepreneur Chamath Palihapitiya added: 'This is, on its face, absolutely retarded. It's also a disgrace that this comes from the preeminent tech capital of the world. 'This will, however, be very good for housing prices in areas surrounding SF.' According to the outlet, the district had consulted Joe Feldman who had helped implement a similar system in Placer County in 2019. In an article on the School Superintendents Association in 2019, Feldman said: 'The percentage of students receiving D's and F's decreased — and decreased more dramatically for students of color and for students with special needs. 'Grade inflation, as measured by the rate of students receiving A's, decreased, and they dropped more dramatically among more privileged student populations. 'Students' grades didn't just improve; they were more accurate. Improved grading practices significantly decreased the difference between students' grades and their scores on standardized assessments of that content, and the effect was stronger and more likely for students who qualified for free or reduced-price lunch. 'Students and teachers reported less stressful classrooms and stronger teacher-student relationships.' The Voice said that the new system would be modeled on a system used in the San Leandro Unified School District. At that school district, pupils can earn an A with a score of 80 percent and achieve a pass with a D at 21 percent.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
San Francisco's absurd new plan for school kids even has liberal parents furious
Parents across the political spectrum are up in arms after San Francisco's school district announced a new plan that will see pass marks lowered. Superintendent of Schools Maria Su unveiled the new 'Grading for Equity' plan last night that will scrap homework and weekly testing, and allow students to pass with scores as low as 41. It comes after left-wing activists argued that homework and testing disproportionately affects students from poorer backgrounds and creates an uneven playing field. But even liberals pushed back against the extreme new policy. Ro Khanna, a Democratic congressman for Silicon Valley known for his progressive values, slammed the move on X: 'My immigrant dad asked me where the missing 10% went when I scored a 90. He came to America for the chance to work hard & pursue excellence. 'Giving A's for 80 percent & no homework is not equity - it betrays the American Dream and every parent who wants more for their kids.' According to The Voice of San Francisco, the plan, which is set to go into effect later this fall. Su has been able to push the new plan through without being the subject to a public vote, with the plan set to affect over 10,000 students in 14 high schools. The outlet reported that the new plan will essentially eliminate homework and weekly testing from making up a student's final semester grade. A student's grade will be based solely on their final examination, which they can also take multiple times. Students can also be late in handing in assignments or even fail to appear in class without it having an effect on their overall mark. Current thresholds in place mean a students needs a 90 for an A and at least 61 for a D. The changes mean a score as low as 80 now counts as an A, while a mark of 21 counts as a D. Fellow democrat Garry Tan, a venture capitalist, also blasted the move, he said: 'San Francisco schools is trying its absolute hardest to make sure all middle income families who could move out of the city do so right away ''Grading for Equity' is going to be a real disaster and I guess this is a boon for SF private schools and Burlingame housing prices. 'For education bureaucrats who ruin our public schools with the most unfair and anti-merit polices: BUSINESS IS BOOMING. 'Someone needs to investigate the Schools of Education that spawn these policies because it is a real danger to public schools everywhere.' The move has been widely criticized on social media even from Democrats Entrepreneur Chamath Palihapitiya added: 'This is, on its face, absolutely retarded. It's also a disgrace that this comes from the preeminent tech capital of the world. 'This will, however, be very good for housing prices in areas surrounding SF.' According to the outlet, the district had consulted Joe Feldman who had helped implement a similar system in Placer County in 2019. In an article on the School Superintendents Association in 2019, Feldman said: 'The percentage of students receiving D's and F's decreased — and decreased more dramatically for students of color and for students with special needs. 'Grade inflation, as measured by the rate of students receiving A's, decreased, and they dropped more dramatically among more privileged student populations. 'Students' grades didn't just improve; they were more accurate. Improved grading practices significantly decreased the difference between students' grades and their scores on standardized assessments of that content, and the effect was stronger and more likely for students who qualified for free or reduced-price lunch. 'Students and teachers reported less stressful classrooms and stronger teacher-student relationships.' The Voice said that the new system will be modeled on a system used in the San Leandro Unified School District. At that school district, pupils can earn an A with a score of 80 percent and achieve a pass with a D at 21 percent.
