After months of heated debate, the Massachusetts Board of Education has voted to allow Bay State school districts to award "certificates of attainment" to students who, despite solid attendance and acceptable grades in their academic courses, thrice fail to pass the MCAS exam required for high school graduation. Districts are not required to issue such certificates, and it is uncertain whether employers, the military and the federal government will view the new credential as equivalent to a full diploma. "Fail safe?: Sparks fly over plan for non-MCAS 'diplomas'," by Ed Hayward, Boston Herald, November 27, 2002
