Most schools see increase in state test scores Most schools see increase in state test scores (March 18, 2005)

Most Mountain View schools saw an increase on their 2004 state test scores, released this week by the California Department of Education.

The Academic Performance Index (API) report evaluates schools based on how well their students do on a variety of standardized tests, including the SAT 9 and the California Standards Test in English and math.

Scores range from 200 to 1,000 points with 800 being the state average. Schools are expected to improve their final scores each year by 5 percent. In addition, school are also ranked between 1 and 10 based on how well they do overall, as well as how well they perform among schools with similar demographics. A score of 10 is considered the best.

In the Mountain View-Whisman district, Huff and Bubb schools finished highest, both receiving a score of 9. When ranked against similar schools, Bubb received a 7, while Huff scored a 9.

At the other end of the rankings was Castro with a state score of 2 and a similar-schools rank of 5. While this may be the lowest in the district, Castro continues to show steady growth in it API score, which saw a 17 point jump from last year.

Overall, Mountain View-Whisman received an API score of 753.

"For all of our schools, we have certainly met the growth target," said Modrite Archibeque, the district's assistant superintendent. "They are doing just fine."

The API scores for Mountain View and Los Altos high schools remain fairly consistent with where they were last year. Mountain View High scored 806, up from 10 last year. It received a state ranking of 6. Los Altos High dropped six points to 791. Its state rank is 8.

"Obviously, the district should be pleased," said Pat Hyland, principal at Mountain View High. The scores of "every significant subpopulation went up in their schools."

The high school district's overall API score for 2004 was 786. -- Julie O'Shea

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