Amid depressing tales of budget cuts and overcrowded classrooms, Fairfax High School manages to shine like a diamond in the rough. Fairfax sky rocketed to the top fourth rank among Los Angeles Unified School District schools after a steady increase in its Academic Performance Index scores in recent years.
API scores are used statewide to measure the academic growth and performance of all California schools. Scores are determined by each school’s student performances on tests such as the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program, California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), and California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA).
In the last three years, Fairfax’s API score increased by an impressive 91 points, placing our school among the top fourth in LAUSD. “What’s really impressive is that our scores have increased steadily, instead of staying in place,” said Literacy Coach and former Testing Coordinator Randy Grant. “Our school is also the only one in the area to have made such a huge increase.” Compared to the district’s meager overall increase by 13 points, Fairfax’s achievement is especially astonishing.
Fairfax’s May of 2009 California Standardized Test scores increased by 9.5% overall. The greatest fraction of students comprised the basic and proficient levels, as high as up to 85% in some subjects. All groups have shown overall improvement.
“We have the teachers, as well as the students, to thank for this wonderful performance,” said Assistant Principal Patricia Heideman. This dramatic improvement is unprecedented, since it is rare for schools to show such a steady increase over a long period of time. “One reason may be that the students are beginning to take these tests more seriously,” she said.
The API system serves to encourage and monitor the academic growth of schools throughout California. A high API score indicates that the academic level of students attending that school is showing tremendous improvement.
“This increase means that we’ll receive more support from the district, as well as from the community,” said Principal Edward Zubiate. “The community is always willing to support a winner.”