Submitted by The School District of Pickens County

Twenty-two School District of Pickens County schools have earned Palmetto Gold and Silver recognition for academic achievement and closing achievement gaps in 2011. District schools received a total of 16 Gold Awards and 12 Silver Awards.

In its 11th year, the Palmetto Gold and Palmetto Silver awards program, created by the South Carolina General Assembly, recognizes schools that attained high levels of absolute performance, high rates of growth, and substantial progress in closing achievement gaps between groups of students. Schools receive general performance awards based on both their absolute and growth ratings and the growth index found on school report cards. These ratings are determined by PASS scores for elementary and middle schools. This year is the first time that three years of PASS data for growth index has been available for calculations.

Schools receive closing the achievement gap awards based on academic gains made by students who fall into four subgroups — African American students, Hispanic students, students participating in federal free- or reduced-price lunch programs and students with non-speech disabilities.

Seven SDPC schools received awards in both general performance and closing the achievement gap. The following SDPC schools received 2011 Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards:

The state’s Education Oversight Committee establishes criteria for the awards, and the South Carolina Department of Education applies those criteria to determine which schools are honored.

Dr. Henry Hunt, superintendent, said, “Student achievement is a priority in our district, and having recognition for the schools’ success is affirming. I congratulate each person who had a part in helping students achieve at this level.”