Guidelines are provided to assist New Jersey local school districts in improving and strengthening their graduation policies in accordance with the new law and regulations. Basic skills proficiency requirements have been enacted in Chapter 241, Laws of 1979. This law requires that students successfully pass tests in reading, writing and computation to be graduated from high school. Remediation is required for students who fail any of these tests. Based on the new law, the State Board of Education adopted an administrative code to implement both curricular and basic skills requirements for graduation. Included in these guidelines are: program overview, basic skills requirements, proficiency and curriculum requirements; attendance policies; credit hour requirements; local requirements; diploma issuance; reporting and monitoring; and areas of general concern. (GK)