Accountability
The API is closely tied to monetary and incentive awards by setting Annual Percent Growth Targets for each school and whether the school met or exceeded this goal. The Public Schools Accountability Act also establishes The Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program and the Governor's High Achieving/Improving Schools Program.
In addition, the API is used to determine Adequate Yearly Progress as a part of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Read more about this topic: Academic Performance Index (California Public Schools)