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State law change grants retroactive diplomas

Thursday, October 29, 2009

(Updated 8:19 am)

By The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM (AP) — A retroactive change in state law allows thousands of students who came close to getting a high school diploma to finally collect it.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported today the change affects students who finished all requirements for graduation except passing the state competency tests in reading and math, or a computer skills test.

The General Assembly eliminated competency tests as graduation requirements in a move retroactive to 1981, when they were first required for a diploma.

Kenneth Simington with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools says several dozen students in each class since 1981 now could be eligible for a diploma, but they'll have to step forward themselves.

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Norm*

October 29, 2009 - 8:34 am EDT

I can only hope that since they left high school, all of these folks have chosen to improve their basic skills (the high school competency tests are very close to the 8th grade reading and math tests). The ultimate benefit should not only be improved job prospects, but the motivation to get more education and training. I wonder if the schools can use these "new" graduates to improve their "No Child Left Behind" graduation rate statistic? I'm sure they'll try.