Local Schools Make Progress In State Report Card
Students at Riverside County public schools scored 767 in standardized state testing — up nine points from the previous academic year’s aggregate score, the Riverside County Office of Education reported today.
The Academic Performance Index scores range from 200 to 1,000, with a performance target of 800.
“The data in the latest (California) Accountability Progress Report show that, even in an increasingly difficult environment, Riverside County’s teachers and schools are keeping their compact with citizens,” said county Superintendent of Schools Kenneth M. Young.
In the Coachella Valley, schools managed to boost their scores approximately 20 points across the board.
The Palm Springs Unified School District scored 731, compared to 720 last year.
The Desert Sands Unified School District scored 787, compared to 766 last year.
The Coachella Valley Unified School District grew from 663 last year to 685.
“The steady, long-term increase in performance shows the value of an unwavering commitment to improvement, regardless of conditions,” he said. “Riverside County’s API results have risen every year since the test was launched in 1999. From an initial score of 591, the county’s API score has now risen to 767. That’s progress!”
The Accountability Progress Report also draws on results from the federal Adequate Yearly Progress ratings, which show whether schools are meeting goals mandated under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
Riverside County public school students’ overall APY in English Language Arts during the 2009-10 academic year was 53.8 percent, compared to 53.5 percent statewide, according to figures. The county’s AYP proficiency rate in mathematics was 56.1 percent, compared to 55.8 across the state, data showed.
The figures combine the results of all racial groups, English learners, students with disabilities and “socioeconomically disadvantaged” students.
“For the eighth year in a row, California schools have made gains in academic achievement and narrowing the achievement gap,” said California Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell. “While we cannot be satisfied until the achievement gap is eliminated and all students are well-prepared for college and careers, this significant progress should be celebrated.”
O’Connell said with nearly half of the state’s schools at or above the API target of 800, “it is time for a serious conversation about raising the target goal.”
“California schools are made great by hardworking students, teachers, administrators, para-educators, school board members and parents,” he said. “I know that they could meet this challenge by keeping up the momentum and helping even more students reach higher levels of success.”
The API Index is broken down to the school level. To see how your local school performed, click here.
