COUNTY — Ten SDPC elementary schools and two middle schools have earned Palmetto Gold and Silver recognition for academic achievement and closing achievement gaps in 2010.   
In its 10th 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.      
“This is certainly an accomplishment,” said Brenda Turner, assistant superintendent of instructional services. “We are very proud of the work these schools are doing. We are especially pleased that schools are working to close the achievement gaps among all groups of students.”
Schools receive general awards for overall performance 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.
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. 
The following SDPC schools received 2010 Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards:
Ambler Elementary — General Gold, Closing the Achievement Gap Gold
Clemson Elementary — General Gold
Crosswell Elementary — General Gold, Closing the Achievement Gap Silver
Dacusville Middle — General Silver
East End Elementary — General Gold, Closing the Achievement Gap Silver
Edwards Middle — General Gold
Forest Acres Elementary — General Gold, Closing the Achievement Gap Silver
Hagood Elementary — General Gold
Holly Springs Elementary — General Gold, Closing the Achievement Gap Gold
A.R. Lewis Elementary — General Gold, Closing the Achievement Gap Silver
Liberty Elementary — General Gold, Closing the Achievement Gap Silver
Six Mile Elementary — General Gold, Closing the Achievement Gap Silver
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 educator who had a part in helping students achieve at this level.”