SB 1458 Summary

• Modifies the Academic Performance Index (API) to cap standardized test results at no more than 60% of the secondary school API value beginning with the 2016 baseline calculation, allowing room for other performance measures.

• Authorizes the Superintendent to incorporate graduation rates (4, 5, and 6-year rates with differential weighting), student promotion rates between grades, and measures of pupil preparedness for postsecondary education and career into the API.

• Requires the Superintendent to annually determine graduation rate accuracy and provide transparent explanations of API components and their relative values to local educational agencies and the public.

• Prohibits new API elements from being incorporated until at least one full school year after state board approval and authorizes an optional school quality review program with funding appropriation.

• Requires the Superintendent to report to the Legislature by October 1, 2013 on methods to increase emphasis on science and social science standards mastery and recommend alternatives to decile rank for determining program eligibility.