The Oakland school board voted to grant diplomas to seniors who haven't passed the state exit exam, defying state law, but the resolution lacks enforcement power due to the district being under state control. State-appointed Administrator Randolph Ward, who oversees the district, was not present during the vote, raising questions about the resolution's validity. The discussion highlights a divide over the exit exam's fairness and its role in assessing student readiness for graduation. Critics argue that a diploma should reflect a student's ability to perform essential tasks, while others believe the exam is an inadequate measure of student achievement. The debate continues over the implications of granting diplomas without passing the exam and the overall effectiveness of the education system.
