COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- More than 400 South Carolina schools are receiving certificates for student achievement in a program that used to reward money.
The state Education Department announced Monday that 435 elementary and middle schools received Palmetto Gold or Palmetto Silver awards for 2010 scores on standardized tests. Winning high schools will be announced later.
The Legislature created the program in the 1998 accountability law. Schools are rewarded for high scores and for closing achievement gaps.
That used to mean cash. The agency awarded $2.3 million for 2009. Amounts ranged from $1,000 to $25,500 depending on performance and population. There will be no money for this spring's scores.
Schools chief Mick Zais recommends suspending the money again next school year.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Find out more about the awards on the Department of Education's website.
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