Carlsbad schools get high rankings

By: TIM MAYER - Staff Writer | Tuesday, March 9, 2004 11:07 PM PST ∞

CARLSBAD ---- Carlsbad Unified School District campuses continued to score big this week with 11 of 12 ranked in the top 30 percent for academic achievement compared with all public schools in the state in 2003, according to a report released Tuesday by the state's Department of Education.

And nine of 11 schools measured on a different scale against 100 schools similar in size, ethnic mix, and income level of parents also made it into the top 30 percent, the report said.

The 12th school, formerly Carlsbad Alternative and renamed Carlsbad Seaside Academy last year, received a statewide ranking of nine, but no score among similar schools because its enrollment is too low to be statistically meaningful, officials said. The academy includes the district's home schooling program.

District Superintendent Cheryl Ernst said she was "thrilled" by the report's conclusion. "For me, it's a tremendous validation of the hard work of all of our teachers and principals. I feel a lot of joy for all of them. And I give all the credit to the folks who are right there in the schools and in the classrooms."

The rankings are based on the state's Academic Performance Index, a state-assigned score based on results from standardized tests students took last spring.

Each school received two rankings, both on a scale of one to 10. One ranking compares each school with all others in California. The other ranking shows how each school stacks up against other schools with similar demographics.

One campus, Aviara Oaks Elementary School, drew a 10 in statewide and similar school categories.

"That's fantastic," said Aviara Principal Sheila Maddox. "I'm very proud of the students and the staff for their accomplishments and the hard work they do all year long."

Aviara Oaks, Kelly and Pacific Rim elementary schools, as well as Aviara Oaks Middle School, were ranked 10 in the statewide comparison. Aviara Oaks, Buena Vista and Calavera Hills elementary schools posted 10s in the similar schools category.

This was the first year Calavera Hills was given a ranking by the state. Opened in 2002, the district's newest school earned a nine ranking statewide along with its 10 for similar schools.

"I'm feeling good," said Calavera Hills Principal Devin Vodicka. "I have to say I'm very pleased how the scores seem to reflect the great things I see on a daily basis happening at our school."

Ernst said she was especially pleased by the performance of children in so-called student subgroups defined by race, language ability and income.

All categories have made big gains on test scores during the last several years, contributing to the high state rankings awarded the schools.

"Those students are doing extremely well," Ernst said. "We are intent on saving every student, and making certain every student makes progress.

"What it (test scores and rankings) signals to me is all of our schools are extremely focused on teaching," she said. "It takes every day, learning every minute for the students, and teaching constantly with a really strong focus."

Dolores Delgado Wright, the district's lead director of instructional services, said the strongest indicator for the district is the statewide ranking based on test scores. The list of similar schools, against which a campus is compared, is compiled by the state and something over which the district and schools have no control.

"We focus on the areas over which we do have control," she said. "If we keep focused on instruction and student achievement, all the rest will fall into place."

Contact staff writer Tim Mayer at (760) 901-4043 or tmayer@nctimes.com.