Schools and districts are given accountability goals on two levels, and API scores are calculated by converting students’ performances on the state’s STAR tests across multiple subjects into points.
The points are then weighted and averaged across all scores for their schools and district.
The state sets a goal of 800 for schools, which the Hart district has consistently beat since the tests were implemented more than 10 years ago.
The statewide scoring scale ranges from 200-1,000.
The district’s highest API was achieved by the Academy of the Canyons Middle College High School, which scored an API of 943, according to a Hart district statement.
The Academy is a school of approximately 400 students grades nine through 12, located on the campus of College of the Canyons. Rancho Pico Junior High School and Rio Norte Junior High School also scored over 900, with 921 and 904, respectively.
API scores are calculated by converting a student’s performance on statewide assessments across multiple content areas into points.
These points are then weighted and averaged across all students and all tests for their schools and district, resulting in the school’s and district’s API.
All Hart District junior high schools scored over the state’s API goal of 800 as did four of the six comprehensive high schools: Saugus, Valencia, Hart and West Ranch. Golden Valley and Canyon High Schools fell just short of the goal of 800.
Hart district officials said the “small reduction in API scores of some Hart district schools this year reflects the challenge of meeting what many educators consider to be impossible proficiency requirements for certain large subgroups,” in a statement released Thursday.
California has filed a request for a pending waiver from the requirements, according to state Superintendent Tom Torlakson.
“While we’re waiting for the flexibility we need, we’re not going to allow a flawed system to distract us from the work we’re doing to help schools improve,” Torlakson said.
Here are the scores for the Hart districts six comprehensive high school sites (last year’s score is in parenthesis): Canyon, 799 (803); Golden Valley, 772 (782); Hart, 833 (835); Saugus, 824 (822); Valencia, 854 (855); West Ranch, 853 (856).
Hart District Sees Slight Dip in API Scores
