Overview

Project Graduation

Statement from Superintendent Woods: The law retroactively eliminates the Georgia High School Graduation Test as a requirement for students who took the test between 1994 (when the test was established) and the present. State Board Rule in 2011 eliminated the test as a requirement for graduation, but that elimination did not extend to students who had already taken the test.

Superintendent Woods: “I applaud and thank Chairman Brooks Coleman, members of the General Assembly and Governor Deal for passing and signing House Bill 91. While in 2011 the State Board of Education eliminated the test as a requirement for graduation, it did not extend to students who were unsuccessful on the test prior to that time. House Bill 91 makes it possible for those students to finally obtain their high school diploma so they can move on to a brighter future. Those who completed all of the requirements for graduation except for passing one test on one given day now have the opportunity to go on to some form of post-secondary education, where they can obtain skills needed to have a great quality of life and be contributors to our society.”

Frequently Asked Questions

House Bill 91 was signed into law on March 30, 2015 by Governor Deal. The law provides that students shall no longer be required to earn a passing score on any graduation tests to earn a high school diploma.
According to O.C.G.A.20-2-281.1, any student denied graduation solely for failing to achieve a passing score on one or more portions of the Georgia High School Graduation Tests or its predecessor or the Georgia High School Writing Tests or its predecessor may petition the local board of education for a diploma.
Eligibility will be based on the graduation requirements in effect when the student first entered ninth grade.
Yes, any student who was a ninth grader during the year of 1981 and beyond and did not receive a high school diploma solely because of the failure to complete graduation test requirements is eligible to complete the petition. All required credits must have been earned.
Diplomas will be issued with the printed name of the former student as it was listed in the official file/student record upon exiting the school district.
Yes, former students of the DeKalb County School District may request a diploma through House Bill 91 by completing the required petition and submitting with a copy of photo identification.
Former students of the DeKalb County School District may request a diploma through House Bill 91 by completing the required petition and submitting the document with a copy of photo identification to:

DeKalb County School District

Administrative and Instructional Complex

ATTN: Project Graduation 2015

1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard

Stone Mountain, Georgia 30038

Local Diploma/Graduation Appeal Form

Important Information for Students Who May Qualify

  • The law is effective for any student – currently or previously enrolled – who has met all graduation requirements except passing any of the graduation tests (Georgia High School Graduation Test, Georgia High School Writing Test, Basic Skills Test). The law extends back to the first administration of the Basic Skills Test in 1981.
  • Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 91 on March 30, 2015.
Appeal Form