SFUSD Math Validation Test 2018

9th graders in SFUSD are automatically placed into SFUSD’s 9th grade math course, CCSS Algebra 1. 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 MVT will be administered twice during 2018: May 12 and August 25. Students who did not pass the MVT on May 12 are eligible to retake it in August, and must fill out the application form again. 

​Registration for the August 25 MVT is open. You may complete the application form at any time between June 15 and August 17, even if final grades are not yet available. Grades and coursework must be submitted to validationexam@sfusd.edu by the final deadline of August 17.

You will need to provide two documents to complete your registration for the MVT.
  1. A copy of your transcript or report card that shows your first and second semester math course (Algebra 1) grades. You must have earned a C or better.
  2. Documentation that shows the content of your math course, such as:
  • For an Algebra 1 course taken at your middle school, either complete the SFUSD MVT Coursework Verification Form, or provide a course syllabus that includes the course title, teacher's name, and year of the course.
  • For an online Algebra 1 course, a description of the course, including the title, institution, and a list of topics covered. 
Letters are available in multiple languages for families about the SFUSD Math Validation Test.
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. Go here for more information about our course sequence.

In keeping with California Senate Bill 359, the SFUSD Board of Education has passed Board Policy 6146.1 (Math Placement Policy), which describes the process by which students will be placed in their 9th grade math class. 

​There are two primary course alternatives:
  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 UC's a–g requirements for Algebra 1 in order for a student to be eligible to take the MVT. 

For information about the 2017 SFUSD Math Validation Test (MVT), including released items, please go here. 

For information about the 2016 SFUSD Math Validation Test (MVT), including released items, please go here.

For information about the 2015 Algebra 1 Validation Exam, including released items, 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.