Ohio's Controversial 4-Tiered Diploma Dies Quietly in Testing-Reform Measure

By Lonnie Harp

Ohio's controversial four-tiered high-school diploma system is expected to be quietly shelved this week, two years after it was adopted in a high-profile effort to raise student achievement.

No students graduated under the law, which would have awarded the first set of different diplomas in the spring of 1994.

Intended to offer diplomas ranging from a "certificate of attendance'' to a "diploma of distinction,'' the law will be replaced by a traditional system which awards a single diploma and recognizes honor graduates. Gov. George V. Voinovich is scheduled to sign...