Schools

PVPUSD Posts High API Scores

The district's overall score sits more than 100 points higher than the state average.

The Academic Performance Index score for public schools in Palos Verdes—summarizing students' performance on a series of tests—far exceeded the statewide average in 2011-12.

The district's score went from 919 last year to 923. The statewide API score increased by 10 points, from 778 last year to 788, according to figures released Thursday by the California Department of Education.

Scoring on API tests ranges from 200 to 1,000, with a performance target of 800.

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All schools that received API scores in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District exceeded the 800-point benchmark, and of those, only Palos Verdes High School missed the 900-point mark with a score just shy at 897.

Rancho del Mar High School, a continuation school, scored a 434. However, due to its small size, the state said the data is less reliable.

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The majority of the schools posted gains, with Rancho Vista Elementary's 20-point increase the largest in the district.

Many schools also saw a decrease in their scores over last year including Dapplegray Elementary, Lunada Bay Elementary, Montemalaga Elementary, Point Vicente Elementary, Silver Spur Elementary and Vista Grande Elementary. Mira Catalina Elementary's numbers saw no change.

With a score of 974, Cornerstone at Pedregal Elementary earned the highest score in the district.

According to the state, 53 percent of California schools met or exceeded the 800-point bar in 2011-12, up four percentage points from the previous year.

API reflects growth in student achievement from one year to the next. It is determined by results on the California Standards Tests in English, math, history/social science and science, and the California High School Exit Exam.

"We've set a high bar for schools and they have more than met the challenge, despite the enormous obstacles that years of budget cuts have put in their way," state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said. "The incredible efforts of teachers, administrators, school employees, parents and students should serve as an inspiration to us all. While there's still more work to do, California's schools have earned a vote of confidence."

Statewide, 59 percent of elementary schools, 49 percent of middle schools and 30 percent of high schools met the state API benchmark.

Elementary school scores statewide increased by 7 points to 815, while middle schools jumped 14 points to 792 and high schools increased 11 points to 752.

—City News Service contributed to this report.


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