Two Effingham County schools have been recognized by the state of Georgia under the state’s Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS), which is mandated by law under No Child Left Behind. Both schools will receive banners and a commendation from Gov. Sonny Perdue.

South Effingham Elementary was recognized as a Silver Elementary School for excellence in student achievement. Silver schools must have met all state goals established annually for adequate yearly progress for two years.

In addition, 96 percent of all students met or exceeded standards with 25 percent or more of the students exceeding standards on the Criterion Referenced Competency Test.

South Effingham High School was also recognized for a silver award for progress in student achievement. A silver award for gain in progress indicates the school has met all state goals established annually for adequate yearly progress for two years. In addition, the school demonstrates progress in student achievement by having 25 percent of students exceeding standards on the Georgia High School Graduation Test (11th grade first time test takers).

The school also falls into the 96th percentile for greatest gains in meeting and exceeding performance on the Georgia High School Graduation Test.

More than 250 schools are receiving state awards for student achievement and academic improvement.

The award winners are determined by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Education, based on the SSAS. There are four levels of awards — platinum, gold, silver and bronze — that are distributed in two categories.

Jennifer Rippner, Executive Director of GOSA, said, “Gov. Perdue and I believe it is very important to use our data to recognize the schools that are showing the greatest results. These are the schools that are reaching the highest levels and showing the greatest improvements.”