San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Maria Su announced a "Grading for Equity" initiative on Tuesday that would have allowed students to earn C grades with 41% test scores, then withdrew the proposal Wednesday following intense public criticism from parents, politicians, and community members.
24-Hour Policy Cycle
The initiative was quietly included in a school board presentation before being reported by The Voice of San Francisco on Tuesday. By Wednesday evening, Su had suspended the plan indefinitely.
"It's clear there are a lot of questions, concerns and misinformation with this proposal," Su stated, according to CBS San Francisco. "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."
The proposed system would have eliminated homework and class participation from final grades, removed attendance requirements, and based student assessment entirely on final exams that could be retaken multiple times. The plan would have affected over 10,000 students across 14 high schools starting fall 2025.
| Grade Level | Current System | Proposed "Equity Grading" |
|---|---|---|
| A Grade | 90-100% | 80-100% (based on San Leandro model) |
| B Grade | 80-89% | 70-79% (estimated) |
| C Grade | 70-79% | 41-69% |
| D Grade | 61-69% | 21-40% (based on San Leandro model) |
| F Grade | Below 61% | Below 21% |
| Policy Area | Current System | Proposed "Equity Grading" |
|---|---|---|
| Homework | Counted toward final grade | Eliminated from grading |
| Class Participation | Counted toward final grade | Eliminated from grading |
| Attendance | Affects academic standing | No impact on grades |
| Late Assignments | Points deducted for lateness | No penalties for late work |
| Test Retakes | Limited or no retake opportunities | Multiple retakes allowed |
| Grade Calculation | Based on homework, tests, participation, attendance | 100% based on final exams/major assessments only |
| Minimum Grade Floor | Students can receive 0% for no work | 50% minimum for any "reasonably attempted" work |
Political Opposition Emerges
Mayor Daniel Lurie responded quickly on social media: "We owe our young people an education that prepares them to succeed. The proposed changes to grading at SFUSD 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."
We owe our young people an education that prepares them to succeed. The proposed changes to grading at SFUSD would not accomplish that.
— Daniel Lurie 丹尼爾·羅偉 (@DanielLurie) May 28, 2025
I have conveyed our view to SFUSD. We are optimistic that there is a better path forward for our kids and their future.
Congressman Ro Khanna of California's 17th District criticized the proposal, 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% & no homework is not equity—it betrays the American Dream and every parent who wants more for their kids," as reported by CBS San Francisco.
Community Response and Process Concerns
Parents on the SFUSD Families Forum Facebook group posted numerous critical comments, with many describing the proposal as "ridiculous" and "embarrassing," according to The San Francisco Standard. Community members expressed frustration both with the policy content and the lack of public consultation in its development.
The initiative was introduced without Board of Education approval, with Su's staff informing board members they lacked authority to override the superintendent's decision. School Board President Phil Kim emphasized "that it is the board's responsibility to hold the superintendent accountable for engaging in meaningful consultation with SFUSD communities." The United Educators of San Francisco teachers union also expressed concerns about not being consulted prior to the announcement.
Consultant and Implementation Details
SFUSD had planned to hire Joe Feldman, CEO of Crescendo Education Group and author of "Grading for Equity," for $172,000 to train teachers over the summer. Newsweek reported that Feldman has worked with over 200 schools nationwide on similar grading reforms.
Feldman has argued that traditional grading practices perpetuate inequities: "If our grading practices don't change, the achievement and opportunity gaps will remain for our most vulnerable students. If we are truly dedicated to equity, we have to stop avoiding the sensitive issue of grading and embrace it."
Regional Context: Bay Area Districts Face Similar Challenges
Several Bay Area districts have attempted similar grading reforms with mixed results. Dublin Unified School District piloted equity grading in 2023, including removing zeros for missed assignments and awarding minimum 50% grades for "reasonably attempted" work. The Mercury News reported that Dublin's pilot faced significant parent opposition through petitions and school board meeting attendance.
The Dublin school board suspended the district-wide initiative in a 3-2 vote in July 2023, though individual teachers retained discretion to use equity-based methods. Pleasanton Weekly documented similar community concerns about college preparedness and academic standards.
Oakland Unified, Pleasanton Unified, Santa Clara Unified, and Palo Alto Unified have also explored similar approaches with varying degrees of implementation and community acceptance, according to The Mercury News.
Supporters Defend the Approach
Independence High School Principal Anastasia Klafter supported the initiative, noting that several teachers at her school had already adopted similar practices. "When grading doesn't reflect a student's true understanding, it undermines deep learning and mastery of content, which should be the ultimate goal of education," she told The San Francisco Standard. Klafter pointed out that many elite private schools allow test retakes based on educational research showing that learning is not always linear.
Superintendent Su's Leadership Context
The grading controversy represents a significant challenge for Su, who was appointed superintendent in October 2024 to address the district's financial crisis. SFUSD announced Su's appointment following her 15-year tenure as Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families, where she managed a $350 million budget.
Su's primary responsibilities include stabilizing district finances and avoiding state takeover while addressing a budget deficit exceeding $100 million. The district has lost over 4,000 students since 2012-13 and projects losing another 4,600 students by 2032, according to The San Francisco Standard.
Su has successfully avoided teacher layoffs through early retirement incentives, with 352 personnel taking buyouts including 205 administrative positions. Her appointment followed the resignation of former Superintendent Matt Wayne, whose tenure included challenges with school closure processes and operational issues, according to Mission Local.
Educational Policy Debate
The controversy reflects broader national discussions about grading practices and educational equity. Newsweek noted that the proposal emerged during "a broader rethinking of DEI initiatives" following the 2024 election results.
Supporters of equity-based grading argue these methods better reflect student mastery by removing barriers that disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged students. Critics contend that eliminating homework, attendance, and effort from grading fails to prepare students for college and career environments where punctuality, deadlines, and consistent effort remain important factors.
Next Steps
Su indicated the initiative remains under consideration pending community engagement. "I have decided not to pursue this strategy for next year to ensure we have time to meaningfully engage the community," she stated. Her current priorities, according to CBS San Francisco, are "balancing our budget, stabilizing the district, and rebuilding trust."
The rapid policy reversal highlights ongoing challenges facing urban school districts as they balance equity initiatives with community expectations and academic standards. For SFUSD, the controversy underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement in educational policy development, particularly during periods when public trust in district leadership requires rebuilding.
