One reason for the relatively large high school completion rate is that the United States offers a number of "second chances" for students to obtain a high school diploma, including attendance at special school-based programs and obtaining a General Education Credential (GED) credential, usually by passing a high school equivalency examination.

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The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors -- or DREAM -- Act, would create a path to citizenship for immigrants who entered the United States illegally as children under the age of 16 and have lived in the United States for at least five years, obtained a high school or General Education Development diploma, and demonstrated "good moral character, " the White House said.

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Later Mr Obama met with wounded victims, families and staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, and with race volunteers at a nearby high school.

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This was highlighted earlier in 2006, when the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced that high-profile former General Electric CEO Jack Welch would teach students leadership techniques from his best-selling book, Winning.

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The responsibility for issuing high school equivalency certificates or diplomas rests with states, and they've relied on the General Education Development exam since soon after the test was created to help returning World War II veterans.

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U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is to speak Friday at a memorial service for the victims to be held at Oak Creek High School.

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