It employs standardized exams and teachers without master’s degrees.

Their academic and attendance records are also scrutinized with most incoming students scoring at least a 3 - meeting standards - on their seventh grade standardized exams.

Students are admitted to the diploma program based on their results in the 10th grade standardized exams.

The control group followed the traditional merit pay process of receiving bonus pay at the end of the year based on student performance on standardized exams.

Methods of assessing prior learning are varied and include: evaluation of prior experience gained through volunteer work, previous paid or unpaid employment, standardized exams or observation of actual workplace behavior.