Schools

Los Gatos, Saratoga Students Score High on School Achievement Tests

Academic Performance Index and California High School Exit Exam show students continue to excel.

Students in the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District continue to show academic gains as measured by Thursday's release of the 2013 California Academic Performance Index (API). 

The new 2013 LGSUHSD Growth API score shows a two-point gain over last year, reaching a new high of 906 and continuing a six-year pattern of growth, begun in 2007.

This exceeds the statewide API score of 756, grades 9-11, by 150 points. 

The report also reflects that the district met its goals for all groups of students.

CAHSEE Results

The district's California High School Exit Examination, or CAHSEE, scores also show that 10th graders are continuing to pass the test at higher numbers in the two subjects it's administered in—mathematics and language arts. The test is only taken by high school students and those enrolled in adult education classes.

In English language arts, for example, 805 students, or 97 percent of all 10th graders in the district passed during the 2012-13 school year. Similarly, in mathematics, 821 students, or 98 percent of all 10th graders in the district passed the subject. The test is administered just once to 10th graders who usually take it in the winter months.

Last school year, 756, or 98 percent of such students in the district passed the math portion of the test, while 759, or 97 percent passed the English language arts component. 

Reaction From School Officials

LGSUHSD Superintendent Bob Mistele expressed his appreciation for the work done by everyone involved, noting, “This growth reflects our commitment to continuous improvement exemplified by our staff, our students, our parents and our community. Even with a consistent record of academic success, everyone involved continues to innovate, both academically and in term of creating an environment where students thrive and enjoy a well-rounded educational experience.” 

Los Gatos Saratoga Union High School District Board President Rosemary Rossi added: “The Board of Trustees recognizes the need to educate the whole child, every child. The impressive scores achieved by our students reflect the contributions of not only teachers, but the staff and community who create an environment where students can learn and grow as individuals. Congratulations and thank you.”

Los Gatos Union School District Superintendent Diana Abbati said she would comment later today on how the five schools in the district, including R.J. Fisher Middle School, did on the API test.

A look at the data shows the schools declined from their 2012 base API score, but they're all still above the target of 800, which means they are proficient.

"Despite the very real challenges of deep budget cuts and the ongoing effort to shift to new, more demanding academic standards, our schools persevered and students made progress,” said California Schools Chief Tom Torlakson. “These results should give us confidence as we start the new school year, and our efforts to make college- and career-readiness a goal for every student move into high gear.”

The API is a measure of the academic progress for California’s schools and districts as part of the Public Schools Accountability Act passed by the California legislature in 1999. API scores range from a low of 200 to a high of 1000. 

The measure includes dropout rates and student performance across multiple content areas. This is one piece of data we the districts use to look at student achievement including areas of improvement and areas of need as we plan curriculum, instruction and services.

For a complete look at the data, please click here.
For a complete look at California’s 2013 API, please go to http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ap/




Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here