The North Carolina Competency Tests of Reading and Mathematics requirement is a result of legislation enacted initially by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1977. In response to the legislation, the State Board of Education requires high school students in North Carolina public schools to meet the competency tests requirement in order to receive a North Carolina high school diploma. Initial legislation in 1977 focused on a minimum competency standard. In February 1995, the State Board of Education set higher standards for graduation and the high school competency tests. Beginning with the graduating class of 1998 or students who entered the ninth grade in 1994?95, students are required to meet the more rigorous competency requirement which focuses on competencies in reading and mathematics as described in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The more challenging competency requirement reflects what students should know and be able to do in order to be successful at the next level in reading and mathematics. The standard requires students to demonstrate proficiency at Achievement Level III or IV on the reading and mathematics competencies measured by the tests.