The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into law in 2002. It was created to improve the quality of education in the United States by holding schools accountable for student performance. This law required states to establish standardized testing in reading and math for students in grades 3 through 8, as well as once in high school. The goal was for all schools to make adequate yearly progress. Those who did not meet those goals faced consequences. The law also mandated that highly qualified teachers in core subject areas. However, NCLB faced criticism for its emphasis on testing, narrowing of curriculum, and unrealistic expectations.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), was created in 2015. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and aimed to provide more flexibility to states while maintaining a focus on accountability and equity. ESSA maintains requirements for annual testing in reading and math for grades 3 through 8 and once in high school. This new version gave more control to schools and let them have additional indicators beyond test scores. The law aimed to support low-performing schools by including targeted interventions and resources for improvement. It also requires highly qualified teachers that support English language learners and disadvantaged students. ESSA represents a shift more state and local control in education policy while still emphasizing the goal of ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 was a landmark initiative aimed at revitalizing the state's public education system. It implemented a range of measures to enhance educational quality and equity. The main part of the reform was a significant increase in funding, particularly targeted at schools serving low-income communities.  The act also introduced rigorous academic standards and assessments to ensure accountability and measure student progress effectively. Additionally, it granted schools greater autonomy through site-based management. This reform also included provisions for teacher certification and professional development. The goal of this was to increase the quality of instruction across the state. Overall, the act aimed to raise student achievement levels, regardless of socioeconomic factors.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a standardized testing program implemented in Massachusetts to assess student performance in key subjects, including English language arts, mathematics, and science. It is administered annually to students in grades 3 through 8 and once in high school. MCAS is designed to measure student proficiency based on state academic standards and provides data to evaluate school and district performance. The results from the MCAS tests are used to determine school progress, inform instructional practices, and point out areas for improvement. 

Opinions on adopted education policies vary widely due to the significant disparity in students' testing skills. Many students dislike testing and often find themselves excessively focused on these assessments at some point during their high school years. Teachers, while aiming to uphold high standards, often find navigating these standards frustrating, particularly given the substantial shifts in skills required in today's society. Nevertheless, despite these varying opinions, these state policies remain integral to public education in Massachusetts and will continue to shape educational practices.

These education policies significantly impact my teaching practicum at Worcester Technical High School in Worcester, Massachusetts. All students are required to take and pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). While Biology traditionally served as the primary science subject for testing, Physics has gained popularity as an alternative, even for those who may have struggled with Biology. Consequently, I have students in my classroom who must successfully complete a Physics exam. The state of Massachusetts also imposes Science curriculum standards, established by the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE).

The MCAS holds particular importance for Worcester Technical High School, serving as an indicator of the school's performance, especially in its capacity as a trade school. The institution's unique educational approach is bolstered by consistently above-average scores achieved by its students. The school's faculty and administration take pride in maintaining high MCAS scores. Within my classes, there are students who must pass a Physics MCAS to fulfill graduation requirements. As a result, I am tasked with developing lesson plans that not only align with DESE standards but also provide these students with opportunities to enhance their test-taking skills. This, coupled with adherence to DESE standards, ensures that my classroom, along with all other science classes in the school, maintains elevated academic standards.