Moorpark district schools do well on API scores

The Moorpark Unified School District scored well on the API exams last year, and newly released statistics show Moorpark High School at the top when compared to other schools with similar demographics.

"California schools continue to make solid academic gains," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell. "The API is a powerful tool to hold our schools accountable for progress."

The new data show California schools at every level are making steady progress to reach the statewide performance target of 800.

High schools scoring above the 800 mark outpaced middle and elementary schools in 2005, said O'Connell.

The California High School Exit Exam has been a key driver of progress because students must concentrate on learning the standards to graduate.

High school students slated to graduate in 2006 are the first who will be required to pass the test in order to receive a high school diploma.

API rankings are based on students' scores on the California Standards Test, the high school exit exam, and the California Achievement Test. The API's numeric index ranges from a low of 200 to a high of 1,000. The Moorpark Unified School District scored above 800 overall. Compared to schools with similar student population profiles, Moorpark High scored 10 on a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 as the highest.

It is one of three schools in the county that scored this well, said Anna Merriman, assistant superintendent of curriculum for the district.

"We're thrilled," Merriman said, crediting dedicated teachers, involved parents and the district's motto which teaches students that failure is not an option.

"The philosophy permeates throughout the district and schools offer opportunities for their students to improve," she said.

"Moorpark has lots to celebrate," Merriman said.