LA’s Promise Surpasses API Growth Targets

LA’s Promise, a nonprofit (where Tom is a director) is working to help shift educational, social and health outcomes in the South Los Angeles community, released its 2011 Academic Performance Index (API) Wednesday reflecting a significant jump in achievement at West Adams Preparatory High School and Manual Arts High School.
Overall the schools achieved an 84 point API gain in the last year between West Adams’ 52 point jump and Manual Arts’ 33 point increase. These scores surpassed the schools’ school-wide API growth targets and most state-wide targets as well.
“These results are spectacular”, said Dr. Rupi Boyd, LA’s Promise Superintendent. “The rise in each school’s API is due to innovative curriculum, a strong teaching staff, early interventions for struggling students, additional resources, flexibility in school management, and a testament to the highly motivated students and families of LA’s Promise Neighborhood. They give us great momentum as we get ready to start the new school year.”
West Adams’ score increased a total of 113 points over three years from 2007 to 2010. Manual Arts’ scores increased 39 points over the past two years. Both schools API growth in the last year have out-performed the neighboring comprehensive Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) high schools.
The API reflects the results of statewide testing in multiple subject areas. Scores range from 200 to 1000. Click here for more information.