COLUMBIA — Approximately 403 public schools throughout the state, including schools in Oconee, Pickens and Anderson District 4, were recognized Thursday for outstanding academic performance through the Palmetto Gold and Palmetto Silver awards program.

Now in its eighth year, the program created by the Education Accountability Act of 1998, includes two parts — recognition for general school performance as well as progress in closing achievement gaps between groups of students.

Pickens County had the most individual schools recognized by the State Department of Education, with 12. They were: Pickens High, Silver for closing the achievement gaps; Ambler Elementary, Gold for closing the achievement gaps; Central Elementary, Silver for general school performance; Crosswell Elementary, Silver for closing the achievement gaps; East End Elementary, Gold for closing the achievement gaps; Forest Acres Elementary, Gold in general school performance and closing the achievement gaps; A.R. Lewis Elementary, Silver for closing the achievement gaps; Liberty Elementary School, Gold for general school performance and Silver for closing the achievement gaps; Clemson Elementary School, Gold for general school performance; Six Mile Elementary School, Silver for general school performance; and the B.J. Skelton Career Center, Gold for general school performance.

Oconee County saw eight schools recognized, consisting of: Tamassee-Salem High School, Gold for general school performance; Seneca High School, Silver for general school performance and closing the achievement gaps; Walhalla High School, Silver for general school performance; Keowee Elementary School, Northside Elementary School and Walhalla Elementary School, Silver for closing the achievement gaps; Tamassee-Salem Middle School, Silver for general performance; and Fred P. Hamilton Career Center, Gold for general school performance;

In Anderson District 4, Pendleton High School and Townville Elementary School each received Silver and Gold for general school performance and closing the achievement gaps, respectively.

Schools received general awards for overall performance based on their 2008 state report card’s absolute and improvement ratings. PACT scores determine the rankings for elementary and middle schools while high school ratings are based on Exit Exam results, graduation rate and percentage of students passing end-of-course tests.

State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said a school that wins one of the awards is “focused on kids and dedicated to their success.”

“It shows what can happen when educators have high expectations for students, and when parents and community members support those educators and students,” Rex said in a prepared statement.

Schools recognized for general performance receive an award flag, a certificate, a congratulatory letter from Superintendent Rex and a portion of state funds earmarked for the program. The financial award is determined by factors including the type of award received, student enrollment, student attendance and teacher attendance.

In previous years, each winning school received a portion of the $3 million in state funds earmarked for the awards program. However, this year’s monetary awards are being reduced due to state budget cuts, and schools will receive notice of awards totals in the near future.