Dr. John Deasy, superintendent, stated, "The long-term trend indicates steady and outstanding growth; moreover, the district looks forward to each additional piece of data we receive from the state as it helps us refine our efforts to help all students achieve at high levels."

AYP is a national measurement established by Congress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2004. AYP measures the achievement growth of each school and district in the nation to determine whether it is progressing at an acceptable rate. The API, established by the California State Legislature in 1999, summarizes a school or district's performance on statewide assessment. The API is a single score on a 200-1000 scale.

Overall Growth In 2004 SMMUSD's overall API score increased from 780 to 790, nearly 100 points higher than the State score of 693. Deasy remarked, "An increase in 10 points at the level where SMMUSD operates requires significantly greater effort than the levels of the country or the state."

All Santa Monica and Malibu schools have APIs over 700, and 9 of the 14 schools that report data have API scores over 800, which is the score identified by the state as representative of high levels of achievement.

Four of these schools have over 850, including one school - Pt. Dume Marine Science Academy - with a remarkable API of 911.

Double-digit and Sustained Gains Eight schools experienced double-digit increases in their API this year; 5 elementary schools, Cabrillo (13 points), Edison (46), Grant (15), Pt. Dume (15), and Roosevelt (13), John Adams Middle School (26), and both high schools. "These gains are remarkable, especially at schools which serve large numbers of impacted youth," noted Deasy. In addition, Cabrillo, Grant, Roosevelt, and Malibu Middle/High School have shown gains for 4 consecutive years.

The Little Elementary School that Could Edison Language Academy Charter School had a remarkable 46-point API increase in 2003-2004, from 709 to 755. Principal Ernesto Leon credits staff and parents in the community for working together to ascertain what Edison does well and what needed attention. Leon says, "It was difficult, messy work that is bearing tremendous fruit for us. We have a top-notch group of teachers who are deeply committed to our kids." He ads that Edison won't rest on its laurels and hopes to increase its gains again next year. "Everyone is very inspired to continue to do well."