Every Culver City School Scores an Academic Victory

When the state released the Academic Performance Index scores for California schools, every Culver City school had shown an increase. A numeric index, the API ranges from a low of 200 to a high of 1,000.

School and student group targets are set at 5 percent of the difference between the school or student group's base API score and the statewide target of 800, with a minimum target of five points.

All numerically significant student groups at a school must meet their growth targets for a school to meet its API growth target.

“These results underscore the efforts made by our teachers, students and staff,” said Supt. Dave LaRose. “We will continue to strive for even better results. These are impressive.” Three schools – El Rincon Elementary, Lin Howe Elementary and Culver City Middle School – gained 30 or more points. Two others, El Marino Language School and Farragut Elementary, have API scores of 940 or greater.

Culver Park High School madethe largest increase, from a Base API of 44 to a Growth API of 594. “By providing quality professional development and implementing effective interventions, teachers have continued to improve student achievement,” said Asst. Supt. Eileen Carroll.

“This cycle of continuous improvement is to be commended, especially in a time of severe budget challenges. It is impressive t that all school sites had gains.”

Across the state, for the first time, a majority of public schools met or surpassed the statewide target.

Fifty-three percent scored at or above the state target of 800, an increase of 4 percentage points over last year, marking a decade of steady growth. Ten years ago, only 20 percent of schools did.

To summarize: 59 percent of elementary schools, 49 percent of middle schools, and 30 percent of high schools are now meeting the state benchmark.

Mr. Maleman may be contacted at gmaleman@aol.com