The API is a single-number indicator of the performance of a school's students on state Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program tests administered each spring. High schools also include test scores of students who took the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

Each year, schools receive a "Base API" between 200 and 1,000 and a growth target. The goal is for all schools to reach an API score of 800 or higher.

The first chart below shows that in 2010, middle and high schools improved on the percentage that made their growth targets. Elementary schools dropped from their 2009 high, but they still boasted the highest percentage among the three types of schools. However, as the second chart shows, all types of schools continued to improve in the percentage that met the goal of an 800 API score or higher-with more than half of elementary schools but only a quarter of high schools reaching that goal.

See what is included in the API.

Data: California Department of Education (CDE), 9/10
Adapted from EdSource’s 2011 Resource Cards on California Education.

EdSource 5/11