School districts' API scores improve

Laguna Beach Unified School District's Academic Performance Index (API) scores improved nine points to 904 this year over last, according to results released Wednesday.

Thurston Middle School saw the most growth, going from 906 in 2010 to 934 in 2011.

El Morro Elementary School was the only site that logged a decline, dropping from 903 to 893.

According to the state's website, the statewide API target for all schools is 800, which LBUSD surpassed by 104 points overall.

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Capo schools also improve

Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel schools saw similar increases in API scores over last year. Capistrano Unified School District, which serves those communities, logged a 13-point gain to 875.

Moulton Elementary School saw the biggest bump in those two cities, going up from 889 to 923, a 34-point increase. Laguna Niguel Elementary was one of three schools in the district that stayed the same at 926.

Crown Valley Elementary saw a decrease in 10 points since last year.

The state uses API ratings as a performance barometer to measure year-to-year changes. The score is composed of results from Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program and the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE).

STAR tests second- through 11th-grade students in math, science, history and English-language arts. The CAHSEE tests 10th-graders in English-language arts and math.