*

  


District Three Schools Bring Home Silver and Gold Awards

Two District Three schools have earned recognition for closing the achievement gap and one for general performance in 2009.  East Clarendon High School and Walker Gamble Elementary both received Palmetto Silver awards.  Walker Gamble Elementary is also the recipient of the Gold Award in general performance. 

In its ninth year, the Palmetto Gold and Silver awards program was created for schools attaining high levels of absolute performance, high rates of growth and substantial progress in closing achievement gaps between groups of students.

Schools received general awards for overall performance based on both the absolute and growth rating and the growth index found on school report cards.  These ratings are determined by PASS scores for elementary and middle schools.  For high schools, the ratings are based on Exit Exam results, graduation rates and percentage of students passing End-of-Course tests.  The schools recognized for general performance receive an award flag and a certificate.

Schools received 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.  Schools recognized for closing achievement gaps receive an award certificate.