FAQ about SFUSD's Implementation of the Common Core 

SFUSD Implementation

Assessment

Helping Students

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M)

Why did SFUSD develop a Core Curriculum? 
The introduction of the Common Core State Standards gave SFUSD a unique opportunity to define a coherent, focused, and rigorous math curriculum. Our Core Curriculum is defined by the Common Core State Standards and grounded in rich mathematical experiences, rather than being defined by a specific textbook. Read about recent research on textbook alignment to the CCSS.
Will there be a textbook adoption?
The SFUSD Math Core Curriculum is the district-supported curriculum for TK through Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 + Precalculus. Read ​SFUSD moves beyond textbooks: former Superintendent Carranza commented on how the Common Core State Standards have influenced what student materials look like.
Is the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum Williams Settlement Compliant?
Yes. With the implementation of the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum, the district redefined the core instructional materials in math. The delivery system associated with the curriculum is not a traditional textbook. Rather, the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum is provided to teachers and students both digitally and in hard copy.

According to the California Department of Education, schools are not obligated to provide a hard copy of the instructional materials, but we are required to provide access to the curriculum at school and home. We provide school access through the provision of hard copy materials in class. Home access is available digitally, through the Math Portals. For families without internet access at home, teachers need to provide hard copies for students to take home.

For more information, see questions 30 and 31 from the California Department of Education’s Instructional Materials FAQ about sufficiency of instructional materials (also known as “Williams Settlement”).
How was the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum 
​developed?
Approximately 120 SFUSD teachers were recruited to deeply explore their grade level standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Using the Pearson Foundation Scope and Sequence and the Unit Task Model as their guides, these teachers created Units of Study Drafts that were piloted by hundreds of teachers during the 2013–14 academic year. Starting in 2014–15, all schools have been using the Core Curriculum Units as the basis for their math program. 
Is the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum 
​translated into different languages?
All student pages in grades K–5 have been translated into Spanish or Chinese. In elementary classrooms where the language of instruction is Spanish or Chinese, the student pages are provided in those target languages.
What kind of professional development is  offered on the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum? 
The SFUSD Math Department provides professional development to strengthen teachers' content knowledge and pedagogical practice. For more information, see Programs and Support. 
What do report cards look like?
Elementary schools (TK–5) use standards-based report cards based on the Common Core Standards for Mathematics. See the Achievements Assessment Office (AAO) website for more details about standards-based report cards.
What are the District  Assessments?
In math, the District Assessments are Milestone Tasks within the Core Curriculum. These tasks will provide teachers with evidence of what students understand, as well as a rich common foundation for collaboration and calibration of expectations of student work. See the Achievements Assessment Office (AAO) website for more details. 
Where can I get more information about state testing/SBAC?
The Smarter Balanced website contains information on the SBAC assessment, including how to take the SBAC Practice Test. Go to http://www.smarterbalanced.org/.

The Research, Planning and Accountability Department at SFUSD has extensive information about end-of-year testing in SFUSD.
How can I help my child with homework?
Homework might look different with the Common Core Curriculum. Students may be asked to demonstrate mathematical practices such as making sense of problems and constructing viable arguments. Here are some conversations you can have with your student when he or she is working on homework:

“Let’s reread the directions together.”
“What is the problem asking you to do?”
“Tell me what you do understand about this problem.”
“Explain to me how you got your answer.”
“Can you make a drawing that shows your thinking?”
“Can you say more about that?”

Please see the Parent Resources page for more information.
How does the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum support all students?
The development and implementation of the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum incorporates the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is an approach to instruction that responds to our understanding about how the brain works by providing multiple pathways for each learner to access content and experience success. Find out more about UDL in the SFUSD Math Core Curriculum.
What are the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics?
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics are a coherent, focused, and rigorous progression of mathematics learning from Kindergarten through high school.

The Common Core State Standards are the result of a national initiative launched by the National Association of State Governors and the National Association of State School Superintendents to create unified standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics based on researching the standards of high-achieving countries. 

All schools in SFUSD are expected to fully implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
You can find more information about the Common Core State Standards using the links below. 
Updated 10/18/18


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