PUSD's focus on data-driven instruction is paying off in improved achievement for students. The District exceeded the API growth of both the State and County. In addition, the District's focus on narrowing the achievement gap is reflected in a 21 point rise in API scores for African-American students compared to a 16 point rise across the state.
More than half of the Pittsburg Schools are in the API 700+ range, with Los Medanos topping the chart at 810. Five schools made improvements of more than 25 points this year, including Hillview Junior High (48 points),Riverside High (46 points), Foothill Elementary (38 points), Parkside Elementary (34 points), and Rancho Medanos (26 points). Rancho Medanos has shown sustained outstanding growth over a three year period of 91 points. Staff members at different schools have credited the improvement with a willingness of teachers to examine the data and develop grade level or subject matter strategies for strategic improvement in key learning standards. The Board of Trustees has recently invested additional resources in targeted intervention at the elementary level. Some of these funds provide collaborative time for teachers to examine their data and share effective lessons with each other. See Data...