Watchdog urges La. Gov. Jindal veto on new diploma BATON ROUGE, LA. (AP) (wrkf) - A government watchdog group is calling on Gov. Bobby Jindal to veto legislation that would give public schools a new curriculum and diploma, with lower academic standards.

The Council for a Better Louisiana issued a statement Wednesday saying the legislation would lower standards to unacceptable levels for children who choose the so-called "career option" curriculum and diploma. That coursework and diploma would prepare students for technical school or community college, but not for four-year colleges and universities.

The governor has said he supports the bills because they're aimed at lowering the state's dropout rate. © Copyright 2009, wrkf