The San Francisco City Council convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss significant educational initiatives and progress within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The meeting highlighted the district's achievements and ongoing challenges, particularly in addressing achievement gaps among students.

The session began with a recognition of SFUSD as the highest performing urban district in California, a status that was celebrated by council members. However, it was noted that despite this achievement, the district faces extreme disparities in student performance that require urgent attention.

The meeting transitioned to a presentation by school leaders from Sanchez Elementary, John Muir Elementary, and Presidio Middle School, who shared insights on their educational practices and the implementation of lesson study as a professional development tool. Anne Marin, principal at Sanchez, and Sarah Liebert, principal at John Muir, emphasized the importance of collaborative inquiry among teachers to enhance student learning outcomes. They discussed how lesson study has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth, allowing teachers to observe and learn from each other’s practices.

Key components of their approach included the use of a teaching methodology centered on problem-solving, which has shown positive results in student engagement and understanding. The principals highlighted the necessity of providing teachers with adequate planning time and resources to facilitate effective collaboration and lesson development.

At Presidio Middle School, Corina Chu and Kevin Chu presented their use of DreamBox, an online math program, to support student learning. They discussed the integration of common planning time into the school schedule, which allows teachers to collaborate on curriculum delivery and assess student progress collectively.

The council members engaged in discussions about the transferability of successful practices from individual schools to the district level. They expressed concerns about historical challenges in implementing district-wide initiatives and the need for a supportive culture that encourages innovation and risk-taking among educators.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to addressing achievement gaps while fostering a collaborative environment for teachers. The next steps involve further analysis of successful practices and the development of strategies to ensure equitable outcomes for all students across the district. The council emphasized the importance of ongoing support for educators as they navigate the complexities of teaching in a diverse urban setting.