BEHS Palmetto Gold 2008 Recipient

More than 230 public schools have earned cash awards
recognizing high levels of academic achievement and high rates of
student academic improvement.

In its seventh year, the Palmetto Gold and Palmetto Silver awards
program was created by the Education Accountability Act of 1998.

"A school that wins one of these awards is a school that is focused on
kids and driven to succeed," said State Superintendent of Education
Jim Rex. "It shows what can happen when educators have high
expectations for students, and when parents and community members
support those educators and students."

"The recognized schools are to be celebrated for their commitment to
higher student achievement," said EOC Chairman Harold Stowe. "The EOC
congratulates the students, teachers, administrators, parents, and
community members for a job well done."

A total of 235 schools received awards: 112 Gold and 123 Silver. Among
elementary schools, 40 won Gold awards and 100 won Silver. Among middle
schools, two won Golds and 14 won Silvers. Among high schools, 33 won
Golds and eight won Silvers. Thirty career centers won Golds and one
received a Silver award. Seven special schools won Gold awards.For high schools, the ratings are based on Exit Exam results, graduation rate and percentages of students passing end-of-course tests.