The recently released STAR test results are good news for the Hart District. Our students have increased their scores in nearly every subject and at nearly every grade level, and the percentage of Hart District students scoring proficient and above on all STAR exams is consistently 20 to 30 percent higher than their county and state peers. These outstanding results came despite challenges posed by the state budget cutbacks.
The tests, which are taken by all California students, result in scores at five levels — advanced, proficient, basic, below basic and far below basic. More Hart District students tested in the top two levels and fewer in the lower two levels, compared to last year’s scores. The tests measure how students have mastered skills that the state has determined are critical for students to learn.
STAR results give not only the overall scores, but also those for subgroups such as ethnic minorities, English learners, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students. The Hart District made gains in all student subgroups, students whose lower test scores form the “achievement gap” which concerns educators across the state.
On another level, 10 of our 17 schools have already exceeded California’s Academic Performance Index of 800, which is the State’s target for all schools. District-wide, we have reached an API score of 804, the first time the Hart District has exceeded the 800 API goal for the entire district.
Our new Early College High School scored an incredible 889 API, which is especially significant since this school targets students who wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves college-bound, yet they are simultaneously taking both high school and college classes.
While our current scores are impressive, they represent more than just a number. Our staff will be reviewing them carefully throughout the year to determine where we can do an even better job in the future. We will remain focused on the bottom line, which remains the education of students.
Congratulations to our Board of Education, with its vision for student achievement, and to our teachers and classified staff whose support made this achievement possible. We have worked diligently to focus on our common vision of student achievement and, because of our Strategic Plan, we have been able to maintain this focus despite the challenges of budget cuts and a weak economy.