Accountability & Testing
School and District Reports
This is the gateway to the California Department of Education’s data reports. Information is available for individual schools and districts.
Academic Performance Index (API) | Information | Reports
The API is a numeric scale that ranges from a low of 200 to a high of 1,000. A school’s score or placement on the API is an indicator of its performance level. The state’s API target for all schools is 800. A school’s growth is measured by how well it moves toward that goal.
API scores will next be reported in 2015-16. Statewide and similar school rankings will no longer be included in the API reports.
Academic Performance Index (API) | Information | Reports
The API is a numeric scale that ranges from a low of 200 to a high of 1,000. A school’s score or placement on the API is an indicator of its performance level. The state’s API target for all schools is 800. A school’s growth is measured by how well it moves toward that goal.
The AYP is aligned with federal accountability requirements. It assesses whether or not schools have met the minimum performance levels for the year. Schools are evaluated based on specific performance criteria and awarded a Yes/No status for each criteria.
Beginning in 2014-15, school districts must develop LCAPs that articulate and share the performance data, needs, actions, and anticipated outcomes that guide the use of state funding.
Every school is required to prepare an annual School Accountability Report Card (SARC). The purpose of the SARC is to inform the community about the conditions and progress being made at each local school.
The Smarter Balanced assessments focus on California Common Core Standards. In Spring 2014, the assessments were field-tested throughout California. No scores were issued from the 2014 tests. Beginning in Spring 2015, the assessments will be administered annually. Scores will be issued and integrated into the state’s accountability reports.
STAR was the primary student testing program from 1998 to 2013, but has now been replaced by the Smarter Balanced system of assessment. During the transition period, some student tests are still being administered under the STAR program, including science tests for grades 5, 8, and 10.