Schools continue to achieve high marks in the statewide accountability rankings.
By Steven Genson/Special to The Malibu Times
Malibu schools have once again achieved statewide excellence in quality education, according to the 2003 Academic Performance Index (API) report. The API report is an accountability system that allows a statewide comparison of academic performance and growth, in which Malibu schools have consistently earned well-above average scores.
The API is referred to as the “cornerstone of California’s accountability system [for public schools].” Michael Matthews, longtime Malibu High School principal, said the annual rankings provide a “rather simplistic,” easy-to-understand system of conveying a school’s successes to people. Principal Matthews said he believes Malibu High’s dependable 10 out of 10 statewide rank produces good feedback for current residents and a positive incentive and guideline for relocating families.
But what do the API numbers represent? In a nutshell, these ratings show how California’s public schools compare to each other on a statewide level and among similar schools. School districts like Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) receive a base index score from 200 to 1,000, a statewide rank, similar school rank, and growth and API base index targets for the next academic year.
In 2003, Juan Cabrillo Elementary, Point Dume Marine Science Elementary, and Webster Elementary schools and Malibu High showed impressive increases in their base scores. Cabrillo, Point Dume, and Webster posted 10 point, 34 point and 15 point increases respectively since 2002 and are each significantly above 800, the statewide target. Malibu High raised its base ranking 8 points to 796, with the goal of continuous improvement.
To improve base scores, schools are adopting curriculums that tailor teaching toward the grade level standards. For example, Malibu High has shifted its teaching strategies toward more emphasis on grammar in language arts, established a requirement that every eighth grader finish algebra, as well as restructured the science curriculum.
On the statewide ranking, Malibu’s schools time and again prove to be among the very best in the state. Point Dume, Webster and Malibu High have never been rated below a 10, the best ranking on the 1 to 10 scale. Cabrillo is not far off with a respectable ranking of 9 since the API’s inception.
Similar school rank is a comparison of groups of 100 schools based on varying school backgrounds, educational challenges and opportunities. Traditional demographics include ethnic diversity, socioeconomic status, percent fully credentialed teachers, class size, and percent new students. The similar school rank established that Malibu’s schools are not “similar schools;” consequently, comparing them would not be an effective evaluation technique. “You can’t use the API to rate [Malibu’s] schools against each other” reiterates Patricia Cairns, principal at Juan Cabrillo Elementary. “It is like comparing apples to Toyotas.”
The growth and API targets for successive years are calculated by an uncomplicated equation. To determine the growth rate for a school, simply take 5 percent of the difference between the current year’s base score and the statewide performance target of 800. For schools such as Cabrillo, Point Dume and Webster, which already score above this target, they must maintain a minimum of 800 for the following year. The API target is the sum of the current year’s score plus the growth target.
In comparison to the rest of SMMUSD, Malibu’s elementary schools performed on par or above the other schools. Malibu High has consistently excelled above Santa Monica High’s rankings.
But how much emphasis should the public place on the API? Malibu principals agree that the API accounts for only part of a student’s overall learning and achievement. Principal Cairns stresses that the yearly API scores are like a “snapshot of a child’s ability on a given day at a given time.” She highlights that continuous parent involvement is also important in a child’s academic life.
Chi Kim, principal of Point Dume Marine Science Elementary, strives for a comprehensive approach to education that recognizes the API as a part of the whole. “We have a well-rounded program that includes hands-on science, music, art and physical education.”
Additionally, this index focuses strictly on language arts, mathematics and science. No emphasis is given to music, the arts or other qualities that foster learning, like student/teacher morale and school environment. “The atmosphere and relationship of the students and faculty is a critical factor in a student’s learning experience” Principal Matthews said.
Philip Cott, principal at Webster Elementary, expresses concern that the “standardized tests have a role to play … but that role has greatly been exaggerated.” While Webster has always scored above the 800 base, Principal Cott likes to illustrate that a child’s education extends beyond academics. “Webster students learn to connect their school experiences to the real world through field trips, community service projects, and guest speakers.”