Thursday, September 27, 2012

SB 1458 Changes Way Schools Calculate API

Yesterday Governor Brown signed SB 1458 into law, which alters the way APIs are calculated.

The Academic Performance Index (API) measures the academic performance of schools and of students, and is currently used to rank all public schools for the High Achieving/Improving Schools Program.  Currently API takes into a variety of indicators, including graduation rates and student standardized test scores such as the STAR and CAHSEE.  Prior to SB 1458, test results constituted at least 60% of the API. 

With the adoption of SB 1458, several of these factors will change.  SB 1458 eliminates the requirement that API scores be used to measure the progress of specified schools and rank all public schools for the purpose of the High Achieving/Improving Schools Program.  SB 1458 also changes the requirement that standardized testing account at least 60% of the API to no more than 60% starting in 2016. 

A copy of the chaptered bill can be found here.

Meghan Covert Russell

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

BSC Wants Your Input!

The Building Standards Commission ("BSC") recently initiated formal rulemaking and public review for portions of the 2012 triennial code update to the California Building Standards Code ("Code").

Proposed changes include requiring new construction on existing sites to be subject to provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code ("CalGreen").  Currently, compliance with CalGreen is only required for new construction on new sites while compliance for most other construction is voluntary.

The BSC is currently accepting written comments through October 15, 2012.  BSC proposals, including the CalGreen proposal discussed above, can be accessed here.  Separately, comments on proposals regarding plumbing, mechanical, electrical, health facility, and administrative standards will be accepted through October 8, 2012; these proposals can be accessed here.

Adopted changes to the Code will go into effect January 1, 2014. 

Meghan Covert Russell