249 S.C. schools receive achievement awards.

Nearly 250 S.C. schools have received Palmetto Gold and Silver awards for academic achievement during the 2018-19 school year, the S.C. Department of Education said.

The awards program, established in 1998 and revised in May, recognized 249 schools throughout the state. Criteria identifying the general performance of schools are based upon an analysis of the 2018 annual school report cards and feedback from a task force of principals.

Elementary and middle school criteria focus on academic achievement and student progress, while high school criteria focus on academic achievement, preparing for success...