Schools pass with flying colors
Local public schools continue to achieve higher test scores than their state counterparts, according to a recent report.
Results of the 2004 Academic Performance Index, which measures the academic performance of schools throughout California, were released last week. A majority of SMMUSD schools received an API score of 800 or higher for “excellent,” said John Deasy, SMMUSD superintendent.
“This high quality student achievement is a source of pride for this community, which so strongly supports its schools,” Deasy said of the API results. “This simply would not be possible without the unprecedented support of our cities and our community members.”
The API score for each school consists of both a statewide ranking in addition to a ranking that compares it to similar schools. The statewide ranking is determined primarily through schools’ academic testing results.
The similar schools ranking is more difficult to measure, Deasy said. The state links each individual school with 99 other “similar schools,” based on the school characteristics of mobility, ethnic breakdown, socio economic status, teacher qualifications, English learner population, class size and calendar type.
The state then compares each school against its 99 peer schools and gives it a score of one through 10 to get the similar schools ranking.
Twelve out of 14 of SMMUSD’s API-reporting schools maintained or increased their statewide ranking for 2003 and 2004. Eleven maintained or increased their similar schools ranking for the same period.
Deasy said the API report does not directly affect school funding. The API report may have some impact, however, on real estate values, which could indirectly affect school funding.
Deasy said the API is one of two serious measures of school performances in California. The other is called the Annual Yearly Progress report, which does affect school funding.
Lincoln Middle School and Malibu High School were both placed in the top tier statewide, and also in the top tier within their peer group.
Two SMMUSD elementary schools, McKinley and Will Rogers, slipped one place in their statewide ranking, but retained high levels in their similar schools comparisons. The lowest scores on a statewide level are Will Rogers and Edison elementaries.
“It’s not alarming,” Deasy said. “Obviously, I would like all of our schools to always go up, but the slip is insignificant compared to how these schools fare overall.”
A recent RAND Corp. report said California’s public school system is the 48th worst in the nation, yet local schools have been able to stay a cut above the rest, Deasy said.
The report said California’s public school system lags behind most of the nation on almost every objective measurement of student achievement, funding, teacher qualifications and school facilities. The state’s K-12 school system has fallen from a national leader 30 years ago to its current ranking near the bottom in nearly every objective category.
While California’s annual per student spending was about $400 above the national average in 1969-70, it fell to more than $600 below the national average in 1999 to 2000, according to the RAND report. However, Santa Monica and Malibu schools have been able to retain much of its quality education because the community has financially contributed to ensure its success.
The Santa Monica City Council has shown its commitment to local schools by giving them millions of dollars every year, as well as partnering with the SMMUSD in joint-use agreements. One example of their close ties is City Hall and the school district operating facilities and parks together.
Deasy characterized the relationship as a “life saver and “critical” in the success of the SMMUSD.
City Hall recently agreed to increase its annual contribution to the SMMUSD to at least $6 million. In years prior, it gave $2.5 million a year. That’s in addition to millions of dollars more in in-kind services and one-time funds.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 19, 2005. Read the original PDF.