California Board of Education Suspends API for the 2014-2015 School Year

Lozano Smith Client News Brief
April 2015
Number 18

The California State Board of Education (SBE) recently voted to suspend the state's school accountability system, the Academic Performance Index (API), for the 2014-2015 school year. Implemented over 15 years ago, the API measures the academic performance and growth of schools using student scores on statewide tests. The decision to suspend the API gives the SBE time to develop a new school accountability system that evaluates student growth using multiple measures. The API only uses a single measure, California's standardized testing system.

Pursuant to Education Code section 52052, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, with the approval of the SBE, was authorized to suspend the API for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years. The SBE suspended the API for 2013-2014 and has simply decided to suspend it for another year as the state rolls out its new standardized testing system. In addition to giving the SBE time to develop a new accountability system, the decision to suspend the API gives both teachers and students time to adjust to new Common Core aligned standardized tests such as Smarter Balanced testing, a computer based assessment system. Prior to the SBE meeting in which it voted to suspend the API, several school districts requested that the current school years' Smarter Balanced test scores not be counted toward the API, asserting that students have not been afforded sufficient time to practice on the testing devices. At the meeting, the SBE determined that although Smarter Balanced testing will continue during the 2014-2015 school year, the test scores will not be used for accountability purposes. However, the SBE emphasized that schools will still be held accountable as test results will be reported at the school site, district, and state level, giving teachers, parents and members of the public the opportunity to review the test scores later this year.

In voting to suspend the API, the SBE also acknowledged that it is important to move beyond the API to a broader set of measures that better capture pupil outcomes, learning, and engagement. During the suspension period, the SBE will take steps to develop a more comprehensive school accountability system that includes measures such as graduation rates and student preparedness for college and careers.

If you have any questions regarding the suspension of the API or Common Core, please contact one of our nine offices located statewide. You can also visit our website, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or download our Client News Brief App.
 
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As the information contained herein is necessarily general, its application to a particular set of facts and circumstances may vary. For this reason, this News Brief does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you consult with your counsel prior to acting on the information contained herein.