Academic Performance Index (API) Reports

Lancaster, CA – Congratulations to the students, teachers and staff of Littlerock High and Highland High Schools for doubling their API targeted growth numbers set by the state a year ago. The two schools may be eligible to receive monetary and non-monetary awards through the Governor’s performance bonus programs. Antelope Valley High, Lancaster High, Palmdale High and Quartz Hill High Schools continue to move forward.

The API is the centerpiece of the Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA) signed into law in 1999. This law authorized the development of a new accountability system for California public schools that included the API, growth targets and awards based on API growth.

Results of the Stanford 9 test, given in the spring of 1999 and 2000 were used to calculate the schools' 1999 API and 2000 API growth. The 1999 API established the base for a school’s academic performance and set the annual target for growth.

"We have made a significant improvement with our student achievement over the past three years, plus we have a greater percentage of students taking the tests, and from that perspective we are satisfied. However, we continue to be aggressive as we map out the process of improving our test scores to reach the academic growth targets set by the state," commented Robert Girolamo, Superintendent of schools.

The Governor’s performance award program consists of three programs; Governor’s Performance Award Program, School Site Employee Performance Bonus and Certificated Staff Performance Incentive.

The state has allocated 677 million dollars in funding the three award programs. Schools that meet the participation criteria will be announced in December 2000 and the money will be distributed some time after January 2001.

Littlerock High School, who has a student population of 2,800 and growing for the school year, has earned the title of the most improved school district-wide.

"We are very pleased. Our goal was to raise the bar and increase student performance, and our scores reflect all the hard work of the students, parents and teachers," a modest Michael Dutton, principal of Littlerock High School, said about his school’s achievements.

Equally as proud is Principal Pat Iaccino of his students, teachers and staff at Highland High. "What can I say other than that I inherited a great community of people who are dedicated to improving performance at Highland. I will continue to lead them through their path toward academic success."

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