Only in Kalifornia

There was a time when a high school diploma indicated some level of proficiency in the three 'r's. Not anymore, at least not in California.

On Friday, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Robert Freedman ruled that the state cannot carry out its plan to withhold diplomas from high school seniors who have not passed the state's exit exam which tests English, math and algebra skills.

State schools Superintendent Jack O'Connell said he was "greatly disappointed" and will appeal the ruling next week.

"Not only is the ruling a great personal disappointment for me, it's bad news for California students who've worked hard to pass the exit exam, bad news for employers who want meaning restored to our high school diplomas and bad news for our public schools that have risen to the challenge," said O'Connell, who wrote the 1999 law that set the graduation test in motion and is its biggest champion.

Once upon a time a high school diploma actually meant something. Now it doesn't even mean that you can read and write.