EDITORIAL

Huntington Beach schools this week produced a round of much-needed

good news following five weeks of drama, fear and anxiety in the

aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

As reported in today’s Independent, the Monday release of the Academic

Performance Index -- which rank California schools based on Stanford 9

tests -- showed near across-the-board goals met, top campuses maintaining

their scores and a county-best improvement made at Oak View Elementary

School in the Ocean View School District.

At that campus, students posted a 100-point gain, rising from 490 in

2000 to 590 this year. The increase was 84 points more than its

state-mandated growth target.

Principal Karen Catabijan attributed the astounding increase to the

dedication of teachers, students and parents. They all have set

themselves a tough goal to repeat, but with a similar round of effort

they should be able to far exceed expectations again.

Oak View was not alone in showing such stunning growth. In the

Huntington Beach City School District, Huntington Seacliff Elementary

jumped 57 points, from 844 to 901, and Perry Elementary climbed 46

points, from 628 to 674.

The rest of the Ocean View district also did well, with every campus

meeting growth targets, including a 51-point increase at Westmont

Elementary and 49-point improvements at both College View and Lake View

elementary schools.

The only mixed news was at the high schools, where half of the six met

growth targets. But those that didn’t missed by very little, leaving hope

very much alive that next year there will be districtwide improvements.

Still, school leaders and parents have much to be pleased with and

proud of this week. The dedication Catabijan talks about is evident

across the city. Our children are learning, our schools are improving and

all indications are that both will continue.