Palo Alto High School principal gave the annual State of the School address this morning at the first Parent Teacher Student Association general meeting of the year.

Principal Jacqueline McEvoy expressed interest in increasing participation in state standardized tests.

“STAR testing occurs right around the same time as AP tests, and many students opted out last year because of the timing,” McEvoy said.

Although Paly has a very high Academic Performance Index (API), there is concern that Paly might not have an API in the following years because of a lack of participation in the tests.

“I want parents and students to take these tests seriously,” she said. “AP exams test a student’s ability as well as evaluating the course and the teacher. State standardized tests do this as well, but for the regular classes. They are important tests.”

Lucy LaPier, a Paly parent, agrees that there should be increased participation.

“I don’t think that there is a good reason not to take the test,” Lapier said.

One way to possibly increase the number of students taking the state tests that was mentioned in the address is to change the testing schedule.

“It makes sense not to have state testing before APs,” Katy Hall, a Paly parent, said.

The more students who participate in state testing, the more informed people will be about the success of the school.

“I think that it will benefit the school because it increased participation will show a better snapshot of what the school is really like,” LaPier said.

Mandy Lowell, a Palo Alto School Board Member, believes that the lack of participation is the result of how many people do not understand the benefit that state testing has for the school.

“I don’t think that many Paly students are anxious about state testing. If they understood how it helps education in the state, maybe there would be more participation,” Lowell said.

According to Lowell, almost half of high school graduates who attend a California State University are placed into remedial math and English courses.

“Gaps in a student’s education should be identified their senior year of high school so they don’t have to enter college enrolled in remedial courses,” Lowell said.

McEvoy’s main concern is the question of how Paly is doing compared to other schools, not necessarily in regards to test scores, but in the school’s commitment to every student.

The principal mentioned how Paly is unique, specifically mentioning the Teacher Advisor program and the role of instructional supervisors. She gave a fresh perspective of the Paly community, and seemed very pleased with what she saw.

“What has impressed me is how everyone in Palo Alto is so vested in the school,” McEvoy said.

The State of the School Address lasted approximately half an hour and was followed by a question and answer period.