Parkland Receives Recognition for API Scores

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett said  qualified teachers in 74 Oklahoma schools will be receiving bonus checks this semester.  The bonuses are made possible through a state program that rewards teachers based on their schools' Academic Performance Index (API) scores. 

API scores are calculated annually on a scale ranging from 0 to 1500 for each public school.  For elementary schools, the score is derived from results on state achievement tests and attendance rates. 

The bonus program is called the Oklahoma Academic Achievement Award (AAA) program and, per law, it defines "qualified employees" as all certified personnel, including principals, counselors, and librarians, who were employed at a winning school for at least one half of the school year from which the student test data used for the awards was provided.  Contingent on funds being available, the bonuses range from $500 to $3,000.  Parkland certified personnel received bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.  Yukon's Administration and School Board felt it necessary to recognize everyone's contribution in this achievement and generously awarded Parkland's support personnel with bonuses ranging from $250 to $500. 

The AAA program rewards teachers working in schools with perfect API scores based on regular education students; the top four highest API scores based on all students (including Special Ed and English as a Second Language) in five different groups based on school size; and the top four most-improved API scores in the same five groups.

Parkland's 2007-08 score of 1464 was recognized as second best in API scores based on all students including Special Ed children and English as a Second Language pupils in Group 4.  Group 4 schools contain populations of 346 to 505 students.  Pictured above are Superintendent Bill Denton and Assistant Superintendent Fred Rhodes presenting Principal Lance Haggard and Parkland students with a bonus check for the Parkland staff and banner for the school.