Some schools improve while others decline
By Michelle Knight
knight@theacorn.com

Former award-winner slips slightly

According to a recent state report, 22 out of 27 schools in the Conejo Valley Unified School District—three schools more than last year—meet or exceed the state’s API goal of 800 or better. Most of the district’s schools gained points, while 10 saw a decrease in scores.

The API, or the Academic Performance Index, is based on the results of tests students took the year before: the California Standards Test, the California High School Exit Exam and, to a lesser extent, the California Achievement Test.

Among the 16 schools that had an increase in API scores, seven gained 15 points or more: Acacia, Glenwood, Maple, Meadows and Walnut elementary schools and Sequoia Middle and Newbury Park High schools. With a 25-point increase over last year, Maple and Glenwood elementary schools saw the sharpest jump in its API scores. Newbury Park High School came in second place with a 22-point increase.

A few schools, however, showed a decrease, such as Manzanita Elementary, which went from 716 points to 697 points, and Sycamore Canyon School, which posted a 13-point loss, going from 908 to 895, although the school remains well above the state’s minimum target of 800.

Superintendent Robert Fraisse said schools such as Manzanita that have posted year after year of gains can be expected eventually to experience a loss.

"There’s been so much growth in the last three years (at Manzanita) that statistically they were bound to slip a little bit," Fraisse said.

He said the district primarily is looking for three things in API scores from its schools: registering growth, hitting the 800 target and–

something that would be especially nice––a score of 900 or more. Four of the district’s elementary schools achieved 900 or better: Cypress, with 916; Lang Ranch, which had 923; Madroña at 922; and Westlake Hills at 908. Last year five schools posted 900 or more.

Friasse said he’s proud of the improvements the schools have made, and he’s especially pleased they’ve found ways to improve.

"And they’re doing it," he said. "A healthy organization is where people look for ways to get better."

He added that the state likely will move the API target from 800 to 875 in the next two or three years.