Local schools continue to prove their educational prowess, with many scoring above the state’s 741-point average and climbing above the state’s 800-point Academic Performance Index target goal.

Among those hitting the 800 mark or higher this year are Bowman, Auburn Elementary, Skyridge, E.V. Cain Middle, Colfax Elementary, Foresthill Elementary, Newcastle charter and elementary schools, Sierra Hills, Weimar Hills, Colfax High, Del Oro High and all Loomis Union Elementary School District schools.

The climb from 784 to 819 is quite an accomplishment for E.V. Cain Middle School, said Principal Randy Ittner.

“It’s exciting,” he said. “I’m really proud of our students. I’m really proud of our teachers.”

Results released Tuesday on California’s Accountability Progress Report, or APR, are comprised of the state’s Academic Performance Index, or API, and the federal Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP.

The API is a numeric index that ranges from a low of 200 to a high of 1,000. The California Department of Education uses the 2008 results to establish a baseline and academic growth targets for each school to improve upon the following school year. Both API and AYP are based on statewide assessment results, released in August, which include the Standardized Testing and Reporting, or STAR, program, and the California High School Exit Examination.

See upcoming editions of the Auburn Journal for additional coverage.