Beyond API

The end of August marks the release of STAR test results and API scores. It's a big moment for educators and administrators, but what does it mean to parents?

Problems with API

Can the quality of a schools be reduced to one number? The API score can give us some important insight into a school's performance but there are at least a couple of problem areas, especially for parents.

CBEE has complained about API for several years. One of the primary problems is the "goal" of 800 does not meet grade level proficiency in math, reading and other subjects (it would take 875). This problem was highlighted in a March 28th article by Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee. But beyond this glaring shortcoming is a more important issue for parents.

API may give a snapshot of a school, but it doesn't tell you anything about the most important issue, how your child is doing. This information must be gathered from your individual STAR testing results. Grade level proficiency is the minimum acceptable result.

I had a discussion with a local educator about API scores and the number of children below proficient. I was told the school had until 2013 or 2014 to meet the standard. That may be fine for an administrative benchmark, but it's not okay for your child. Your child doesn't have until 2013/14 to be proficient. They need to be there now. A child below the proficient level is now stuck playing catch up. The longer it takes to get back to proficient, the more difficult their education will be.

I urge all parents to take a close look at their child's STAR testing results. If there is a subject below proficient make sure you make a plan to get them to proficient (or beyond) as soon as possible.