I’ve read in the newspaper that the API hides “achievement gaps”. What does this mean?
These tests are sensitive to gains among students who perform at or below the average student statewide. The API is given as a score on a scale of 1-1000. California has set its goal at 800. This year’s statewide average, which includes all students of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, is 721. But if you look at “subgroup” scores, which break scores down based on ethnicity, disability, economic status and English proficiency, you will usually see big differences in the average.
This year the statewide average for Asian students, for example, was 847, compared with an average of 656 for Latino students and 801 for Filipino students. These differences in the average are known as “achievement gaps.” If your child belongs to an ethnic or other subgroup, pay attention to that subgroup score when looking at your school’s results. Your school’s overall score may have gone up a few points, but your child’s ethnic or other subgroup score may not have gone up or it may be much below the school’s overall average. If you notice big discrepancies, you should talk to your teacher or principal. (La Prensa San Diego)
These tests are sensitive to gains among students who perform at or below the average student statewide. The API is given as a score on a scale of 1-1000. California has set its goal at 800. This year’s statewide average, which includes all students of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, is 721. But if you look at “subgroup” scores, which break scores down based on ethnicity, disability, economic status and English proficiency, you will usually see big differences in the average.
This year the statewide average for Asian students, for example, was 847, compared with an average of 656 for Latino students and 801 for Filipino students. These differences in the average are known as “achievement gaps.” If your child belongs to an ethnic or other subgroup, pay attention to that subgroup score when looking at your school’s results. Your school’s overall score may have gone up a few points, but your child’s ethnic or other subgroup score may not have gone up or it may be much below the school’s overall average. If you notice big discrepancies, you should talk to your teacher or principal. (La Prensa San Diego)
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