22 Myrtle Beach Schools are Recognized for Academic Achievement

The residents of Myrtle Beach take the education of their children very seriously, and for that reason, 22 Horry Schools have been honored and recognized for academic achievement and educational improvement, which represents 58 percent of the elementary and middle schools in the entire school district!  These twenty-two schools in Horry County are among more than 400 elementary, middle and special schools in South Carolina that have earned Palmetto Gold and Palmetto Silver awards in 2010.

Now in its 10th year, the Palmetto Gold and Palmetto Silver awards program was created by the South Carolina General Assembly to recognize schools that attained high levels of absolute performance, high rates of growth and substantial progress in closing achievement gaps between groups of students.

The schools receive awards in two categories, General Awards and Closing the Achievement Gap Awards.  The general awards are given 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 Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) scores for elementary and middle schools.

Closing the Achievement Gap awards are based on academic gains made by students who fall into four subgroups; African-American students, Hispanic students, students receiving participating free- or reduced-price meals, and students with disabilities, other than speech.  If the performance of at least one of the subgroups is at or above the performance of white students and those who are not subsidized for school meals statewide, the school earns closing the achievement gap honors.  Click here for the complete list of award winning schools.

These awards are not the only reason why parents, staff, and students are proud to boast the area’s school system.  Sean Junkins, an HCS instructional technology coach, has been named to the Class of 2011 for the Apple Distinguished Educator Program.  As one educator among 76 chosen worldwide, he will join a select community of professionals who are passionately committed to improving teaching and learning through educational technology.  Junkins uses a variety of Apple products to transform teaching and learning in powerful ways.

The school systems in place are among the top reasons residents enjoy living in Myrtle Beach.  No matter what the age of your child, you can expect, and be proud of, educational excellence in Horry County Schools.

What do you think makes the schools in Myrtle Beach so excellent?

Source: Horry County Schools