ACEL API Score Released
August 31, 2011- The California Department of Education released the latest round of API scores to the public today, and ACEL-Fresno Charter High School ranked among the most improved high schools in the state.
“While we still believe that API is not a great measure of a school’s impact, we are ecstatic to have grown so much in only one year,” said Executive Director/Principal Dave Childers. “For a year we have been saddled with an arbitrary number that did little or nothing to show what a great program we have. Now, at the very least, we have an arbitrary number that will allow us more opportunity to share what we do with a greater audience of parents and students.”
Last year the school was assigned a growth “target” of 13 points in the API rankings. Today’s release from the CDE shows a remarkable growth of 134 points – more than ten times what the state required. The growth to an overall score of 683 also moved ACEL ahead of nearby schools McLane, Roosevelt, and Fresno High and only high school in the County had a greater increase than 134 points. The school met all subgroup targets and saw increases in both Language Arts and Math.
“We were able to improve our rating without giving up any of the rich educational experiences that we offer students. In fact, we expanded those,” said Childers. “We are now – in just two years – competitive with similar schools without wholesale remediation classes, homework, text books or relentless benchmark testing. This is a nice victory for education reform.”
Year three begins on Tuesday, September 6, and will bring several new programatic elements – as well as 1:1 computing via Apple iPad 2s.
“More technology-infused learning, more leadership development, and more community involvement,” said Childers. “That is our prescription for growing our program.”
It seems to be working, too. Spaces in grades 9-11 are limited, and the school may achieve capacity prior to next Tuesday’s opening – which would be a first for the program.
“Fresno – and the areas surrounding Fresno – is hungry for educational choices,” said Childers. “Today marks a big step forward for ACEL as we try to create a very distinct alternative to traditional high school settings.”
For more information, please call ACEL-Fresno at (559) 408-7077.
“Historical Perspectives” in the Fresno Bee features ACEL building
August 22- While many of have read about the historic Fresno Station building that houses ACEL-Fresno, today’s Fresno Bee allows the opportunity for interested parties to see photographs and even some video of the former train station that is now a progressive charter high school.
“It was a pleasure to work with John Walker from the Fresno Bee to highlight such a wonderful building, and such an important part of Fresno history,” said ACEL-Fresno Executive Director/Principal Dave Childers. “I think it is also a fantastic example of adaptive reuse in urban environments, as well as a living, breathing architectural lesson to be had by all.”
The building – which was constructed in 1889 – is on the National Historic Register and one of the few remaining train depots in California that were designed in the “Queen Anne” style of architecture. It is widely considered to be the “birthplace” of Fresno.
“John did a great job of capturing the essence of the building and the importance of its history,” said Childers. “I hope that his work gets as many views as it deserves, because at ACEL-Fresno we are passionate about Fresno residents being more in tune with the rich history of their own community.”
The piece can be viewed online at – Fresno Bee Historical Perspectives
