The North Carolina General Assembly has given new Gov. Pat McCrory an early legislative victory that builds on his education campaign platform last year.
The House gave overwhelming final approval Wednesday to a bill creating new kinds of high school diplomas and course plans that emphasize vocational or career paths that don't require four-year college degrees.
The measure tells the State Board of Election to issue diplomas beginning in the 2014-15 school year to carry new seals endorsing graduates as "career ready," "college ready" or both. The board would report to an oversight committee by early next year on its plans.
The bipartisan bill also tells the state board to re-examine teacher licensing rules for career and technical fields.
McCrory has been a strong proponent of re-emphasizing vocational education.
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