All District schools surpassed the state Academic Performance Index (API) benchmark score of 800, and a record number exceeded 900, according to results released Thursday by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The District’s 2012 API score improved to 870, which is a 9-point gain from the prior year and well above the statewide 815 API score for elementary schools. The API results come on the heels of a state report last month that illustrated how more District students than ever are scoring proficient or advanced in English-language arts and Mathematics, based on standardized testing in 2011-12. District students continue to outperform their peers in the county and state.

“The API results are reason to celebrate,” said Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “For the first time, every school in our District is above the state benchmark even as the bar goes higher. This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, teachers and principals. The level of parent engagement in our District is second-to-none, and it shows in the high achievement of our schools.”

Individual school results are impressive. A record 10 schools now have API scores of 900 or above: Heritage (936), Olympic View (923), Thurgood Marshall (917), Corky McMillin (915), Halecrest (912), Salt Creek (910), Veterans (909), Arroyo Vista Charter (906), Chula Vista Hills (906), and Anne and William Hedenkamp (901).

The District’s across-the-board gains help illustrate the benefits of CVESD’s decentralized approach. The Board of Education and the Superintendent trust in the abilities of school administrators and staff members to come up with solutions that fit their unique challenges.

CVESD is one of only two large districts in San Diego County that is not in federal Program Improvement status.

The 2012 API gains reflect the instructional leadership of principals and teacher leaders, the frequent on-going assessment of students, and the standards-based instructional planning accomplished through grade-level collaboration, said John M. Nelson, III, Ed.D., CVESD’s Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services and Support.
For a complete list of school or district-level API data, please visit the following website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ar/