April 5, 2023

9th Grade Math Placement Guidelines & Procedures

All SFUSD 8th graders take CCSS Math 8, and all 9th graders are automatically placed in SFUSD’s CCSS Algebra 1 course. SFUSD’s Math Placement Policy (6152.1) provides an exception for students who have taken an Algebra 1 class outside of SFUSD:

Students who have previously taken a formal full-year Algebra 1 course AND pass the Math Validation Test (MVT) will be placed in CCSS Geometry in 9th grade.

Incoming 9th graders who have completed a full-year Algebra 1 course in either their middle school or at an accredited high school or college are eligible to take the SFUSD Math Validation Test (MVT). Generally, this applies to SFUSD students taking an online course or students entering SFUSD from either a private school or another district. Incoming 9th grade students who have taken an Algebra 1 course, but have not passed the MVT must be placed into CCSS Algebra 1.

Please note that no classes taken prior to the start of 9th grade will be added to the high school transcript.

SFUSD Math Validation Test Information

For eligible incoming 9th graders, the MVT will be administered two times in 2023: May 13 and August 19. Qualifying students may sit for either exam, or both exams if they do not pass the first time. Both administrations will be in-person at an SFUSD School.

• The 2023 Math Validation Test Family Letter (including translated versions) were sent to new SFUSD families on March 25th. It included information regarding 9th grade math placement and MVT details and application information.

Timeline:

You may share this timeline with families of prospective incoming 9th graders who have inquiries regarding math placement.

More information about MVT implementation can be found in the Administrative Regulations 6152.1 and at sfusd.edu/MVT. Please direct questions to validationexam@sfusd.edu.