Schools
Gilroy Unified Hits State Benchmark in API Scores
Most schools saw an increase in their Academic Performance Index.
The Gilroy Unified School District improved in average academic performance in the 2010–11 school year, reaching the benchmark score set by the California Department of Education.
The “Accountability Progress Report,” released Wednesday, shows changes in the “Academic Performance Index” for the state, school districts, individual schools and certain subgroups of students.
Overall, Gilroy rose 23 points, reaching the “800” score set as a statewide goal. Countywide API scores averaged 827, up nine points from 818 in 2010. State scores were at 778 in 2011.
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The API is a tool, based largely on standardized testing, that the state uses in order to rate a school's performance on scale of 200 to 1,000.
The base number is compiled between the total API growth (released Aug. 31) and the 2010 base. From there, schools and districts are given an expected growth number, the total for which they should aim.
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According to the Santa Clara Office of Education, "The Public Schools Accountability Act of 1999 established the Academic Performance Index (API) as part of a state accountability system.
"The API reflects school wide and district wide performance on tests in the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). The API is also one indicator of the mandated federal accountability system, Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)."
Most schools in Gilroy showed growth, with 14 out of 15 schools achieving growth goals set by the state. Only Mt. Madonna High, the continuation high school with enrollment smaller than testers considered important for analysis, did not, dropping one point.
Rod Kelly Elementary showed the largest growth, climbing 57 points to an API of 826. Antonio Del Buono Elementary experienced a similar increase, rising 56 points to 795.
Five of 15 schools are above the state benchmark of 800.
Hispanic students, which make up 70 percent of the enrollment in Gilroy Unified, raised their API from 742 to 764. White students rose from 857 to 879, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students rose from 728 to 750. Students with disabilities rose 29 points, to 630.
School-by-school
Elementary Schools
2011
2010
+/-
795
739
56
781
775
6
831
836
-5
826
38
896
852
44
787
22
Middle Schools
2011
2010
+/-
813
783
30
826
814
12
765
756
9
High Schools
2011
2010
+/-
796
34
740
730
10
579
580
-1
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