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PUSD Schools Gain in 2007-08 Performance Indicators

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools posted gains and demonstrated promising growth, according to the 2008 Accountability Progress Report (APR) released today by the California Department of Education. The APR provides results from the state accountability system, the Academic Performance Index (API), as well as the federal accountability system, which consists of the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and Program Improvement (PI).

"Our schools continue to demonstrate steady improvement overall, and we have some examples of extraordinary gains," said Superintendent Edwin Diaz. "Over the next year, we must draw upon those examples and practices that have produced positive results at some schools, to drive improvement at all schools."

The District posted an overall API score of 720 in 2008, a 13-point gain from 2007. A total of six PUSD schools scored above 800 in 2008, compared to five in 2007. Twenty-two schools scored above 700 in 2008 compared to 20 in 2007. Sierra Madre Elementary posted the highest overall sore at 870, followed by Hamilton and Willard at 842. Thirteen schools posted double-digit API growth from 2007 to 2008, including Altadena Elementary with a 49 point gain and Franklin Elementary School, with a 46 point gain.

Both the API and AYP are developed using standards-based assessments as primary measures of students' academic achievement. The API is a numeric index that ranges from a low of 200 to a high of 1000 with a statewide target of 800. Schools that fall short of 800 must meet growth targets set each year.

The reports measure how school districts are meeting the Title I accountability requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. PUSD met 35 of the 38 federal AYP targets in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, including proficiency targets for student subgroups. The District met the graduation requirement of AYP by increasing overall graduation rates from 74 percent in 2006 to 83.8 percent in 2007.

"We are pleased that the performance of socioeconomically disadvantaged students has improved, but we must focus on closing the achievement gap for Hispanic, African-American, Special Education and English Learner students," said Superintendent Diaz. "In this way, we will increase the number of schools that are achieving success for all kids." A District or school is identified for federal Program Improvement status when it does not meet all targets in ELA or Math for two consecutive years. In 2008, eight PUSD schools are identified as Program Improvement.

"This information provides additional guidance as we set priorities for the 2008-09 school year," said Diaz. "We will maintain our focus on secondary education, while continuing to emphasize targeted instruction and success for all students regardless of background or circumstances."