The minimum passing grade for a local diploma is 55.

"It was almost like giving kids little local diplomas meaning that you were in school."

Those who pass the competency test receive a local diploma.

Among the sampling, he said, about 85 percent of students passed with a 55, enough to earn local diplomas.

A minimum score of 55 is needed to graduate with a local diploma.

The public demanded it, saying a local diploma often meant a poor education.

A score of 55 is the minimum passing grade and qualifies a student for a local diploma.

Most of the rest earned local diplomas that are held in lower regard.

By contrast, under the old system, virtually everyone who took the weaker competency test got a local diploma.

Those who pass receive a local diploma, which makes it more difficult for them to enter four-year colleges.