Schools that fall short of the target will be required to meet annual growth targets until their goal is achieved. Schools that already meet or exceed the 800 API should continue working to improve the academic performance of all students. This year, the API is based solely on results of last spring's Stanford 9 Achievement Test, which was given to all students in grades 2-11. Eventually, the API will include other criteria such as high school exit exam scores, graduation rates and attendance. There are many ways to determine how well local schools are doing.
Parents know if their children are learning and if they enjoy going to school.
Communities know if graduating students are prepared for the workforce and higher education. Student progress is measured by daily work, regular tests, standardized tests, attendance and many other factors. Legislators felt there should be a more measurable way to compare schools across the state. After approving the Academic Performance Index, it turned out that coming up with a simple formula wasn't easy. The API is part of a state accountability system for schools - not individual students.