By Jason KUROSU

Recently adjusted Academic Performance Index (API) rankings place several local schools within the top percentile of scores according to the California Dept. of Education’s data for 2012. La Cañada Elementary placed ninth among all California schools with a Base API score of 975, while five other Montrose and La Crescenta schools received scores within the top 100th percentile of all Californian schools. Those schools include Rosemont Middle School, Mountain Avenue Elementary, Monte Vista Elementary, Valley View Elementary and Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School.

API scores are calculated from test results on statewide exams such as the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) and the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE). Each of the aforementioned schools, along with receiving a high base API, also received a ranking of 10, the highest possible which indicates that a school is “well above average for elementary, middle, or high schools with similar opportunities and challenges,” according to a Dept. of Education summary regarding API.

Since 1999, the California Dept. of Education has used these scores to rate both schools and school districts on a scale from 200 to a high of 1000. A score of 800 represents the general target range for a school or district. Schools that fall below 800 are assigned growth targets to be met until a score of 800 is reached, while schools that meet certain criteria of API participation or increased scores may become eligible for accolades such as Blue Ribbon or California Distinguished School acknowledgment.

District-wide, the Glendale Unified School District received a base API of 862, with 75% of its schools meeting their targets. The statewide rate was 56%.

  Jason Kurosu