Las Virgenes remains head of the class
District's API scores top Oak Park and Conejo Unified
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

When it comes to standardized testing, Conejo Valley public schools still rank among the best in the state, according to the latest report released by the California Department of Education.

The Las Virgenes Unified School District achieved the highest Academic Performance Index (API) scores locally. The API is based on a scale from 200 to 1,000 and is calculated by how well students perform on California standards testing in English/language arts, mathematics, history/social science and science. "Certainly we're very proud of our API scores, but they represent only one component of how we evaluate our program," said Donald Zimring, superintendent of Las Virgenes schools. "Any administrator will tell you if you choose one year to brag about, you'll probably be eating your words in a succeeding year. We strive to improve what we offer kids. . . ."

Las Virgenes district schools scored 872 overall, followed by Oak Park Unified at 866, and Conejo Valley Unified's total of 853.

Even though individual schools may have scored fewer points than in 2006, all exceeded the state's benchmark of 800. Overall, Las Virgenes schools chalked up two extra points compared to last year, yet six schools dropped between one and 15 points, according to the report.

Six Las Virgenes schools scored in the 900 range, and most of the remaining schools scored 850 or above.

Although Bay Laurel Elementary School's score was 15 points below last year's, the school continues to score in the 900 range.

The greatest gain was realized by Indian Hills High School in Calabasas. Seventeen students pushed their scores up 74 points over last year.

Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) schools earn API scores, but are not ranked and do not have to meet targets.

Nevertheless, Indian Hills High School i s making strides, according to Principal Jeannette Ober.

"I think I have an emphasis on students doing the testing they should, and I think they took it seriously," Ober said when asked about the higher scores.