"It's usually not their course credits. It's their performance on the graduation test that keeps them from graduating from high school," Bagwell said.
With help from the Hall County school board, East Hall set up a computer lab open four periods per day that provides remedial training and education in subject areas where students need assistance.
A student must score at least 500 on the graduation test in order to pass. But, a score of 516 is required to become a Platinum Viking.
Bagwell estimated at the beginning of the year that about 60 students would reach platinum status. Instead nearly twice that amount, 118 students, met the criteria.
"There is a buzz around here," Bagwell said.
The Platinum Pride program is also in place at Johnson, Flowery Branch and West Hall high schools. Gainesville High School was the first school in the county to implement the program.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/4/209410