A new state report finds San Diego schools continue to make gains, but the majority still can't reach California's academic benchmark. In fact, poor and minority students have to drastically improve their performance in time for the next evaluation. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
The Academic Performance Index measures student achievement every year based on standardized test scores. If schools don't show improvement, the state gives them a target to meet by August. However, this is the first year poor and minority students are faced with a higher so-called growth target. State School Superintendent Jack O'Connell.
O'Connell : It’s going to be much more challenging for schools to meet their growth target -- but it’s designed with the intention to close the achievement gap.
The news is especially daunting for schools with large numbers of poor and minority students. For example, black students at the Mann School of Expedition in City Heights have to improve by 18 points, and Latino kids by 13 points. In comparison, most underperforming schools have to move up by about five points. Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
