The Parent Advocacy Scoop
What’s the latest on math and literacy? At the risk of repeating ourselves, we’d like to remind SFUSD that our K-8 math curriculum doesn’t seem to be working well for most of our students, especially our focal populations… ( 👀 keep an eye out for a data summary from us in coming weeks). Rather than waste time and resources on a lengthy audit, SFUSD should identify research-based curricula and materials that DO work and have proven success in similarly-sized districts with diverse student populations. 8th grade algebra access has been getting a lot of attention, which is important, and our early math program is critical to tackle, as well.
In terms of how the literacy overhaul is going, we’re hoping to meet with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction team one more time before the end of the school year for an update on the first pilot (“Benchmark”). Would you like to join us? Email [email protected]
Teacher raises and a balanced budget. The starting salary for a credentialed teacher with a bachelor’s degree in San Francisco is less than $70K, lower than most surrounding districts in the Bay Area. Our teachers need to be paid more. Alongside educator raises, we expect nothing less than for SFUSD and the Board of Education to balance our budget and align spending to our goals for improved student outcomes, fully addressing our structural deficit and ensuring compliance with all state requirements.
LCAP Town Halls and other parent voice opportunities. If you haven’t yet attended an LCAP Town Hall and provided your input, there are a few opportunities left. We applaud SFUSD for making these parent (and school!) voice opportunities available to the community, and we hope to see these continue next school year and beyond. When school districts involve families and community, students can thrive. Plus, a blast from the past: If you’re still unsure what “LCAP” means, check out this oldie but goodie from our Decreasing the Distance (DtD) days, with SF Parents board member Seth Brenzel and Second District PTA VP of Leadership, Michelle Parker: What’s the LCAP and Why Should I Care?
Pink Slips again? What’s the deal with pink slips and why are they happening again? These are stressful for our teachers and administrators to receive. Last year SF Parents produced a brief explainer on pink slips and why they happen. Learn more here.
📢 PARENT ACTION ITEM 📢
ATTEND THE CITY HEARING ON PROP G (“STUDENT SUCCESS FUND”) IMPLEMENTATION.
THURSDAY APRIL 27TH AT 4:00PM
City Hall, Room 250
Virtual information here
We’ve heard 🦗🦗🦗 about implementation of Prop G funds since it overwhelmingly passed by voters in November 2022. The City is holding a hearing this Thursday April 27th at 4PM. Please attend virtually or in-person and make sure the City, District, and DCYF (administering department) understand that parents and voters passed these funds with the understanding that dollars would be tied directly to student success. That means: spending these dollars on evidence-based programming and services that will get closest to the student. Think: high-dosage literacy and math tutoring.
How are we going to ensure these dollars are tied to student success?
What will accountability for these funds look like?
Call in or attend in person to make your voice heard.
