NC law opens door to retroactive diplomas

    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - A retroactive change in North Carolina law allows thousands of students who came close to getting a high school diploma to finally collect their sheepskins.
    The Winston-Salem Journal reported Thursday 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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    Information from: Winston-Salem Journal, http://www.journalnow.com
   
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