The San Francisco Unified School District has officially canceled a proposed grading system that aimed to redefine how student performance is evaluated, following widespread criticism from educators, parents, and political figures. The “Grading for Equity” initiative, first introduced during a SFUSD Board of Education meeting, was designed to prioritize final exam scores over homework, late work, and attendance. Under the system, students could take finals multiple times to achieve better grades, with letter grades based on a much broader score range, effectively making an 80 a potential A. However, the plan sparked fierce debate, with opponents arguing that it diluted academic standards and risked undermining student accountability. The proposal was intended to be piloted in 70 schools across the district, but the backlash quickly led to its cancellation.
Critics, including San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, expressed concerns that the system would fail to prepare students for the real world and discourage academic excellence. Lurie wrote on X that the younger generation is owed an education that prepares them to succeed, and the 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,” he stated. Kiley, on the other hand, sarcastically described the proposal as a “brilliant solution,” saying, “San Francisco has come up with a brilliant solution for its failing schools. Students simply won’t be failed. 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.” These statements highlight the polarized nature of the debate, with both sides expressing strong opinions about the educational approach.
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, also voiced his concerns, emphasizing the importance of academic rigor. “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,” Khanna wrote on his personal X account. These comments reflect broader concerns about the potential impact on educational outcomes and the values that underpin the American education system.
A statement from Superintendent Maria Su on SFUSD’s X account clarified that there have been no changes to grading practices within the school district and that no action was taken during the meeting. “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. This statement suggests that the district is still open to revisiting the proposal in the future, provided that any changes are made with the best interests of students in mind.