Glendale’s API scores vary

Glendale Unified schools’ scores on the Academic Performance Index were mixed this year, according to data released by the California Department of Education on Thursday.

Overall, the district scored 861, which is one point lower than the district’s 2012 API score, a statewide measure of student achievement.

Compared to last year, however, certain Glendale schools saw some significant gains on their scores.

Benjamin Franklin Magnet School saw the district’s biggest gains with a score of 841 — a jump of 38 points from the elementary school’s 2012.

Clark Magnet, Crescenta Valley and Glendale high schools all lost at least six points.

Meanwhile, Hoover High saw a six-point gain, scoring 775 in 2012 and 781 in 2013.

Roosevelt Middle School saw a 27-point gain from its 2012 API score of 793 to 820 in 2013. By surpassing the 800-point threshold this year, the school also exceeded the state’s target API score of 800.

By scoring 877 and 937 respectively, La Crescenta elementary and Rosemont middle schools suffered the greatest declines of all Glendale schools, as each saw a 22-point drop from 2012.

With a score of 855, John Muir Elementary was one of the lowest-scoring elementary schools in Glendale, but that score was a 24-point jump from the previous year.

Cerritos Elementary scored 29 points higher in 2013 than last year, advancing to 874.

“We’re very proud, of course,” said Principal Cynthia McCarty, who attributed the higher score to teachers’ professional development and goal-setting with students.

McCarty also said that when students step onto campus, they are serious about their education.

“We’re focused. We’re engaged in learning,” she said.

Glendale Unified ranked 47th in California out of 404 unified school districts statewide.

Among the unified school districts in Los Angeles County, Glendale ranked 16th.

Statewide, the majority of California schools met the state’s target API score of 800 or above.

“Despite the very real challenges of deep budget cuts and the ongoing effort to shift to new, more demanding academic standards, our schools persevered and students made progress,” said State Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

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Follow Kelly Corrigan on Twitter: @kellymcorrigan.

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