Academic Performance Index (API)

The Academic Performance Index (API) is a score on a scale of 200 to 1000 that annually measures the academic performance and progress of individual schools in California. On an interim basis, the state has set 800 as the API score that schools should strive to meet.

Growth Targets: The annual growth target for a school is 5 percent of the distance between its base API and 800. The growth target for a school at or above 800 is to remain at or above 800. Actual growth is the number of API points a school gained between its base and growth years. Schools that reach their annual targets are eligible for awards.

Subgroup API's and Targets: In addition to a schoolwide API, schools also receive API scores for each numerically significant subgroup in the school (i.e., racial/ethnic subgroups and socioeconomically disadvantaged students). Growth targets, equal to 80 percent of the school's target, are also set for each of the subgroups. Each subgroup must also meet its target for the school to be eligible for awards.

Percent Tested: To be eligible for awards, elementary and middle schools must test at least 95 percent or their students in grades 2 through 8, and high schools must test at least 90 percent of their students in grades 9 through 11 on STAR assessments.

Statewide Rank: Schools receiving an API Base score are ranked in ten catergories of equal size (deciles) from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest), according to type of school (elementary, middle, or high school).

Similar Schools Rank: Schools also receive a ranking that compares that school to 100 other schools with similar demographics characteristics. Each set of 100 schools is ranked by API scores from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to indicate how well the school performed compared to schools most like it.

API criteria are subject to change as new legislation is enacted into law. Detailed information about API and the Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA) can be found at the CDE Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ap/ or by speaking with the school principal. API - Schoolwide

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