Record Layout for the 1999 Base API Data File

Repository archive entry for the Academic Performance Index (API) in the Programs No Longer Administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) Section of the CDE Web site.

This information is for historical purposes only and it is possible that information contained here may not be current.

Return to API Data Files and Record Layouts

NOTE: In an effort to serve as many users of this information as possible, there are two formats of the comprehensive statewide data file. Choose the one that will be most useful to you.

The information in the data files is formatted with each school's data contained on one line. The exceptions to this convention are the "bridge schools," schools that have students at both primary and secondary grades.

The data for each bridge school are reported on two lines. Different rules for calculating the API for bridge schools apply. Bridge schools are denoted by a "B" in the bridge field. The primary school portion of data is denoted by "P" in the grade_type field. The secondary school portion of data is denoted by "S" in the grade_type field.

Missing or Not Printed Data

Missing or not printed data are denoted by -999.

Auditing Purposes:

Data files of this size inevitably have changes, even after the file "goes final." We have included a field, called usage_type, to assist those who want to reproduce or audit our work. The key to this field is explained in the record layout.

More information about the data in this file is available from CDE's Educational Demographics Unit, or in the other documents addressing the API.

.DBF Format (2 files)

(For use with programs such as: Access, Excel, FoxPro, DBase, etc.)

There are 373 fields (pieces of information) in the statewide data file. Since these programs have a limit on the number of fields allowed in one file, the data file is split into two files. The first contains school information and information on socioeconomically disadvantaged students. It is anticipated that most researchers and other interested parties will be able to find all of the information they seek in this first file.

The second file contains detailed information for the remaining subgroups. These two files can be linked by CDS code and other fields that apply to schools with both primary and secondary grades. These files each have one record per line. A record layout for this pair of .DBF files is available.

Tab-Delimited Format (1 file)

(For programs such as FileMaker Pro, SPSS, SAS, etc.)

These programs have no limit on the number of fields allowed in one file, so the statewide information is contained in a single file. Each of the 373 fields (pieces of information) is set off from the preceding and following field with a tab character. This tab-delimited file has one record per line. A record layout for this tab-delimited file is available.

Other Users

If the data base or statistical program that you prefer is not listed above, your choice depends on how many fields your program allows. If your program will permit at least 373 fields, follow the instructions for the single tab-delimited file. Otherwise, follow the instructions for the two .DBF files.