Increased API scores benefit district’s reputation

The state of California recently released the 2012 Academic Performance Index (API), showing the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD)’s improving academic scores.

This year, LGSUHSD has reached an all-time district high of 905. In 2011, the district’s score was 904.

Los Gatos High improved by two points to 886 while Saratoga achieved a total of 933 points, receiving the same score as the previous year.     

Ranging from 200 to 1,000, the measures include dropout rates and assessments of student performance levels in mathematics, English, science and social studies.

The state of California uses the scores to monitor academic progress throughout all schools and districts.

The API is measured by converting student’s performance levels across the API scale into points. All points are averaged throughout that school.

“Our goal is to have our students graduate from our campuses as well‐rounded citizens prepared for college and/or a chosen career,” superintendent Bob Mistele said in the API report.

Because the district has had an increasing API score over the years, Mistele believes this trend will continue in the future.

This year, Saratoga High exceeded Palo Alto’s score of 906 and Gunn’s score of 920, while not reaching that of Lynbrook’s 946, Monta Vista’s 956 or Mission San Jose’s 951. The district in general has done sufficiently well, making the board proud of all district students.

“One component of that is academic achievement,” Mistele said. “This new API information validates the efforts of our students, teachers, classified staff and parent community to promote this success.”