SFUSD Math Validation Test

SFUSD follows the Common Core recommended course sequence for math. All SFUSD 8th graders take CCSS Math 8, a rigorous course that prepares students for success in high school courses. Therefore, all 9th graders are automatically placed in SFUSD’s Common Core State Standards-based (CCSS) Algebra 1 course. However, some students have taken an Algebra 1 course outside of SFUSD before 9th grade.

If your child will be entering 9th grade and has completed, or is in the process of completing, a full-year Algebra 1 course either in their middle school or at an accredited high school or college, and they wish to be considered for placement into CCSS Geometry in 9th grade, they may be eligible to take the Math Validation Test (MVT).  Course content and providers must be reviewed and approved by SFUSD in order to be eligible. Courses are evaluated ​after applicants submit their coursework documentation. This test is not required; only students who wish to take Geometry as freshmen need to take it. 

The 2019 MVT dates are Saturday, May 18 and Saturday, August 24.
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Applications for the May 18 test date are due by May 10 at 5 PM. 
If your child took Algebra 1 at their middle school, you will need to submit the Coursework Verification Form as part of your application.
Letters are available in multiple languages for families about the SFUSD Math Validation Test. 
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The SFUSD course sequence for math provides a focused, coherent, and rigorous learning experience that balances mathematical content knowledge with mathematical practices. In this course sequence, students take CCSS Algebra 1 in 9th grade and CCSS Geometry in 10th grade. In 11th grade, students choose to take either CCSS Algebra 2 or a compression course, CCSS Algebra 2 + Precalculus, that will prepare them for AP Calculus in 12th grade. Read more about our course sequence.

In keeping with California Senate Bill 359, the SFUSD Board of Education has passed the Math Placement Policy, which describes the process by which students will be placed in their 9th grade math class. 

Here is the process for placing SFUSD 9th grade students in math:
  1. Incoming 9th graders who have completed a Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Math 8 course will be placed in CCSS Algebra 1.
  2. Incoming 9th graders who have completed coursework from an accredited school covering the subject matter taught in CCSS Math 8 and CCSS Algebra 1 and have received grades of C or higher will be eligible to take CCSS Geometry in 9th grade if they are able to pass the SFUSD Math Validation Test (MVT). The coursework included in those classes can be found in the Math Placement Policy. The CCSS Algebra 1 class taken must meet University of California's A–G requirements for Algebra 1 in order for a student to be eligible to take the MVT. See the UC A–G Course Portal to check if a course meets the requirements. 

For released items from prior years, and information about previous administrations of the SFUSD Math Validation Test (MVT), please go here. 

For more information about the validity and reliability of the SFUSD MVT/Validation Exam, please go here. 

If you have any questions, please contact validationexam@sfusd.edu.