FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

October 10, 2024

Laguna Beach Unified ranks No. 1 among unified school districts in Orange County for statewide English language arts, math, and science scores

Focused strategies lead to a 17-point rise in high school math scores

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — The California Department of Education (CDE) released its statewide assessment results today, with Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) ranking No. 1 among unified districts in Orange County for English language arts, math, and science scores. In LBUSD, 79 percent of students scored proficient or above in English language arts (ELA), 70 percent met or exceeded standards in mathematics and 65 percent of students demonstrated proficiency in science standards. 

The CAASPP, administered each year to students in grades 3-8 and once in grade 11, measures how well students have mastered grade-level skills and knowledge. To measure progress and support student growth throughout the year, LBUSD teachers also use ongoing diagnostic and formative assessments to identify strengths and growth areas for every student. These assessments work alongside the end-of-year state test, allowing teachers to provide targeted instruction and support within the school day to ensure students stay on track to reach their individual goals and meet grade-level standards.

As a result of these focused efforts, Laguna Beach High School saw a 17 percentage point increase in grade 11 math proficiency, rising from 50 percent last year to 67 percent this year, a testament to the collaborative efforts of teachers, instructional support staff, counselors, and school leaders, who contributed to the success of targeted academic interventions and personalized learning plans.

“We shared with our community last year that improving high school math proficiency was a priority for us, and in keeping with our commitment to continuous improvement, we don’t shy away from unpacking the data with our community,” said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. “We’re excited to report back on the progress we've made, thanks to the dedicated work of our administrators, teachers, and support staff who have been fully committed to this effort. The personalized learning opportunities we provide our students are unmatched in Orange County, and this increase in proficiency is a direct result of the hard work and focus on meeting each student’s individual needs. These scores are just one of many data points we review each year to support student success,” he concluded.

Districtwide scores in both ELA and mathematics surpassed the Orange County average by approximately 22 percent and exceeded the California state-wide average by approximately 32 percent in ELA and 35 percent in mathematics. 

While these results showcase the district's strong academic performance, LBUSD is committed to addressing a decline in math scores for students in grades 6-8. The district is already implementing targeted strategies to support growth and improvement by using data to meaningfully inform instruction, academic interventions, and support. In middle school, diagnostic assessments are being used to design tutorial class periods that provide direct instruction in specific areas and standards where students need the most support, while also offering enrichment opportunities for students ready for additional challenges. With these targeted efforts in place, LBUSD anticipates continued progress and improved outcomes in the coming year.

Because CAASPP tests are given statewide, they provide an opportunity to measure the skills of all students against the same academic standards in the same way. The results provide insights schools can use to inform teaching and measure learning outcomes, and are posted annually on the CAASPP results website. LBUSD parents may access a written report of their child’s scores through Aeries and can compare progress from one year to the next.

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