Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Allie Rosen
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s Academic Performance Index rose from 864 to 872, partially due to improved California Standardized Testing and Reporting scores in 2009.
API scores range from 200 to 1000 and track academic achievement of California public schools. STAR scores as well as the California High School Exit Examination are used to calculate API.
Compared to other schools in the South Bay, Costa did exceedingly well, surpassing Redondo’s API score of 822 and Palos Verdes High’s score of 864.
“I’m proud of our progress. When I first came here, we were in the lower 800’s, but we have steadily increased over the last five years,” Principal Julie Ruisinger said.
According to the California Department of Education Statewide Assessment Division website, a total of 1,756 ninth through 11 grade students at Mira Costa participated in STAR testing last year, and in every subject, over 50 percent of those students scored in the Proficient or Advanced range.
“There were some significant leaps in test scores this year in some areas. In other areas, scores remained the same or had a few dips,” Vice Principal Jaime Mancilla said.
The most dramatic improvement was in Grade 9 algebra 1, where 90 percent of students tested achieved Proficient or Advanced levels, an increase from the 57 percent achieving those levels in 2008. Similarly, Grade 11 Physics experienced a 30 percent increase.
“I think one reason for the improved scores is that we have been sticking to the California standards,” Ruisinger said.
Other major advancements took place in Grade 9 English-Language Arts, Grades 9 and 10 Biology, and Grade 9 Earth Science.
The administration is now committed to determining what factors contributed to these improved STAR results. It may have been related to better preparation techniques or the block schedule that was used during the month of May to accommodate the tests.
“We haven’t had time to assess the full ramifications, but we have gotten a lot of mixed feelings from some students and teachers. We are going to take some time to look at how we performed in certain areas and what we did differently. We’re trying to figure out if it was the preparation, the testing, or a combination of the two,” Vice Principal Paula Spence said.
Although students have mixed feelings about last year’s STAR testing schedule, many were excited to hear about the scores.
“Even with the limited California budget, Mira Costa has made it possible for us to have dedicated teachers and a rigorous education, and I think that definitely showed in our STAR scores,” junior Alka Nath said.
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