The early 21st-century federal legislation aimed to standardize education nationwide through increased accountability for schools and emphasis on standardized testing. An example of its impact included states implementing rigorous testing programs to assess student proficiency in core subjects such as reading and mathematics, tied to federal funding.
Its significance lies in its attempt to address perceived inequalities in education across states and improve student outcomes. By mandating standardized testing and holding schools accountable for student performance, it sought to identify and close achievement gaps among different demographic groups. The historical context is situated within a broader movement of education reform advocating for higher standards and greater transparency in public schools.
