To the average person on the street, "graduation rate" means the number of high school seniors who actually receive their diplomas; e.g., 200 seniors, 200 diplomas, equals 100 percent; or 200 seniors, 150 diplomas, equals 75 percent.

Adrian Michael Anderson, Harrisburg, son of Mary L. Anderson, Harrisburg, and Steven Anderson, Quarryville, graduated from Tufts University, Boston, Mass. He received bachelor's degrees in biology and classical studies and is a graduate of Hempfield High School. Andrew D.

By Dan Whisenhunt, The Anniston Star, Ala. Jun. 16--Graduating from high school in Alabama will be harder beginning in the fall of 2009 because of new graduation standards. But the changes could also improve Alabama's graduation rate.

By DOMINIC HAYES A NEW "super diploma" for schools was announced today in a move to encourage children to take more vocational qualifications. The exam combines practical skills with theory and would be worth fourand-a-half A-levels.

The news that 550 state secondary schools have not yet signed up to join a consortium to deliver the Government's flagship new diplomas is a worrying sign for the future of the qualification. The Schools Minister Jim Knight, however, appears relaxed about it.