Test re-takes, C’s for 40%: Big city district scraps ‘grading for equity’ after backlash

San Francisco public schools are pausing a “grading for equity” initiative that was set to launch in high schools this fall, following backlash from the community and what the superintendent calls “misinformation” about the project’s goals. The policy was first reported Tuesday, May 27, by The Voice of San Francisco, a nonprofit media organization.

Their investigation found that the district is working with an outside company to train teachers on a new grading system –– one where, for example, a grade of 41% could be reclassified as a C, typically viewed as average or passing.

Key features of the grading policy

According to school board agenda records, the San Francisco Unified School District’s (SFUSD) grading for equity initiative includes the following changes:

• Students may retake tests or assignments to improve their grade.
• Students will not be academically penalized for lateness, effort or participation.
• Use of rubrics will be emphasized.
• Classwork and homework will not be calculated into final grades; only final tests and major projects.
• No student will receive below 50%, though that is a failing grade, even for incomplete or missing work. Alternatively, some grading systems may use a 0–4 scale instead of the traditional 0–100 scale to prevent a single low grade from significantly impacting a student’s overall average.

SFUSD leadership said that schools have been exploring equitable grading practices over the past few years to create a fairer and consistent learning environment while improving student outcomes. Simply put, students are expected to demonstrate that they comprehend the material, without being expected to do so through traditional means such as one-shot, timed tests.

Lack of public input raises concerns

Criticism grew after it was revealed that the school board had not held a public vote on the new grading policy. Rather, the program was unilaterally approved by the district superintendent, although it’s still up to individual schools and, in some cases, individual teachers, to decide whether they want to adopt it.

During Tuesday’s board of education meeting, Commissioner Supriya Ray acknowledged that the goal behind the new policy might be motivated by good intentions, but that it could also teach students that expectations in life are low, the San Francisco Standard reported.

Community members in the SFUSD Facebook group reacted negatively to the district’s proposal, calling it “ridiculous” and an example of lowering academic standards, according to the Standard.

Rep. Ro Khanna, R-Calif., also criticized the policy in a post 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% & no homework is not equity—it betrays the American Dream and every parent who wants more for their kids.”

Educators speak in support

Some educators have defended the equitable grading approach, including Independence High School Principal Anastasia Klafter. Independence, according to Klafter, has several teachers who are already using the equitable grading approach, and said that retaking tests is not uncommon at many schools.

“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,” the Standard quotes Klafter as saying.

Back in 2023, Katherine Hermens, a biology teacher at Dublin High School, also spoke in support of equitable grading at a school board meeting, according to EdSurge. She said that pre-pandemic, she would not have been in support of the newer approach to education. But she had something of an epiphany during lockdown and remote learning.

“The old practices we cling to were born in a different era, under different circumstances,” Hermens said. “It is time to emphasize learning over effort. Prioritizing learning is exactly what equitable grading is. It recognizes the individual journey of every student. It acknowledges that we all learn differently at our own pace and in various ways.”

Superintendent: Policy will not move forward in 2025

On Wednesday, SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su announced that the district will not implement the grading changes for the upcoming school year. “It’s clear there are a lot of questions, concerns, and misinformation with this proposal,” Su said in a statement. “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.”