Schools

API Scores: LCUSD 2nd Highest in State--and Gaining

For the past three years, La Cañada Unified School District has secured its ranking as the second-highest-scoring district in California, according to state Department of Education figures released Wednesday.

kept its ranking Wednesday as the second highest scoring district in California--but the gap between API scores for this foothill district and first place San Marino is narrowing. 

According to data released by the State Department of Education, LCUSD earned 942 for the 2011 Growth Academic Performance Index--an improvement of nine points since 2010.

And while the top-scoring unified district in the state, San Marino, received a score of 955, up six points since last year, that's a much closer margin than in 2008, when a 27-point difference separated the academic rivals, said Lindi Dreibelbis Arthur, director of assessment, research and consolidated Programs for LCUSD.

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"The gap is significant because we test 500 more students than San Marino, and when you have more students in the pool, that can contribute to lower test scores--but that is not the case in La Cañada,'' she said. 

The API is a number between 200 and 1000 that reflects performance level of a school, sub group and district, based on statewide testing. Its purpose is to measure the academic performance and growth of schools. The state target is 800.

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"It's the cornerstone of the statewide accountability system for California public schools,'' Arthur said. 

Arthur pointed out while La Cañada is gaining on its top-ranked academic neighbor, the margin is widening between La Cañada and Manhattan Beach, the second and third top scoring unified school districts in the state.

The 2011 API score for Manhattan Beach Unified is 932--10 points less than La Cañada. But in 2010, only seven points separated third-place Manhattan Beach from second-place La Cañada.

In La Cañada, the most growth in 2011 came from . Its API score increased 13 points since last year and is now 928.

All La Cañada Elementary Schools are at or above 960

• grew five points to 960

• dipped from 969 to 968

• increased from 966 to 969.  

 

API Scores for Academically Comparable Districts

• San Marino Unified - 955

• Manhattan Beach Unified - 932

• Arcadia Unified - 925

• South Pasadena Unified - 912

 

The state determines API scores using a weighted formula. The formula includes the tests administered in May, and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). The California Standards Test (CST) results are most heavily weighted.  


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