Principal: Capo High Staff Bothered by 'Disturbing' Test Scores

It's better than the state average, but not good enough, the principal says.

When Capo Valley High scored an 832 on the statewide Academic Performance Index, Principal Kevin Astor said the school can do better. He said Capo High scored lowest out of six Capistrano Unified high schools.

The state average API score is 752.

Astor said students' performance disturbed school staff.

"We need to be confronted with the reality that all five other Capo high schools outscored us," he said.

Here is the principal's message to parents:

I am so very grateful to be starting my second year as a Capo Valley Cougar. I serve as the steward for this school – for the staff, families and over 2,500 students that walk our halls each year. We don’t always agree but have worked together to make a powerful place to learn. I am even more convinced than one year ago that CVHS is a great place to be in school. We have amazing students. I watch them think and create in ways that make me forget they are just still teenagers. I have seen compassion and talent and perseverance that many adults have never exhibited. Even in disagreement, we have students that demonstrate grace, respect and intelligence. Capo Valley is a great place to be. 

It is this very conviction that Capo is great that made it difficult for me to read our API score when it was released this fall. Capo scored an 832 – essentially stagnant from last year’s 836. What disturbs our staff is that we don’t believe that an 832 accurately captures what we are doing for kids instructionally. With this in mind, we are both bothered and challenged by this number. We need to be confronted with the reality that all five other Capo high schools outscored us. The object is not to be condemned but rather challenged to succeed at the level that our collective work, support and skill merits.

We need to look at several factors. Are we teaching what the CST exams are measuring? Are our kids learning the concepts required of them? Are they able to demonstrate what they know on a test that looks like the CST? Are our kids – especially our most advanced students – taking the test seriously and performing up to their ability? We know we can improve. We know we should improve and we will. I can assure you that our teachers are challenged by this information and it is out of challenge that innovation and improvement arise.

We have enjoyed so many great performances by our kids this year already – in the classroom, on the field and up on stage. I hope you have had the opportunity to enjoy some of these events. I am proud of my staff who cares deeply and works hard. I am proud of our community that supports and advocates for the school. I am especially proud of our kids whose efforts and achievements reflect so well on Capo Valley High School!