I agree with the idea that some of the high API scores are strictly the demographics of the kids within that boundary… my kids school included. My sister (a teacher with San Diego Unified) jokes that you could toss the Curie kids in a closet with a book and they’d teach themselves to read… because they’re bright kids with bright parents.
I also agree with BG’s point that teachers with seniority seek out schools like Curie because it’s going to be easier to teach there because there are fewer ESL students, fewer students with IEPs to deal with learning disabilities, parents that will make the time to work with the kids outside the classroom. And it does not always mean the teachers are good teachers… Some have been teaching so long they are no longer effective… they’ve maxed out on their education steps so they do no continuing education, don’t take the time to learn new teaching theories, etc… They’re in the wait-to-retire mode. Have they earning this “break” – maybe… but does it mean they’re the best teachers… no.
Perhaps a better way to pick a school to live near is to look for high schools that offer the most AP course work… That’s more tangible.
