Letter from the Superintendent: API Scores in Dublin

Dear Parents and Guardians:

2013 DUSD Academic Performance Index (API) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Standardized Test Results.  This week, the California Department of Education will be releasing annual results of standardized tests.  These will be in the form of Academic Performance Index (API) and the federal No Child Left Behind measurement of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).  We are pleased to provide you with an update of how well the district and our schools are doing on these two important measurements of student success.

The big picture clearly shows that Dublin schools continue to make progress in both API and AYP. The current District API of 904, reflects a modest 3 point gain over the 2012 year results and represents the 11th year of growth.   This year, six of ten schools and the district made positive gains in Growth API. In addition, the district AYP shows that more than eighty percent (80%) of our students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts and math.

[Related: Most Dublin Schools Showed Improvement on Test Performance…]

The federal government program, No Child Left Behind, measures Adequate Yearly Progress in three areas, proficiency targets in English Language Arts and math, Academic Performance Index, and graduation rate.  The District met the API target, but did not meet the required targets in proficiency rate in ELA and math (89%) and graduation rate (90% including all sub groups).  

A closer look at both the API and AYP results show that, unfortunately, a stubborn achievement gap remains for certain sub group populations of our students including students of color, English Learners, economically disadvantaged students and those with special needs.  These students are significantly behind their Asian and white fellow students in all indicators of success.  A major focus for the district this year will be concentrated intervention work to assist these students and to close that gap.

You can review the District test scores by clicking on the following link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/getschoolreport/ .

The District will be holding an annual “Data Walk”, where students test scores in standardized tests along with other college readiness indicators including SAT, ACT, Early Assessment Program (EAP), and Advanced Placement results will be discussed with the Board of Trustees.  You are invited to attend this important meeting.  It is scheduled for September 24, 2013 beginning at 6:30pm in the Board Room.

We look forward to continued success and welcome your input as we work to achieve the mission of seeing every Dublin student 21st century successful, college and career ready.

Sincerely,

Stephen Hanke, Ed.D.