According to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, states are required to administer academic assessments of students in grades four and eight for reading and math. States may also choose to conduct assessments of reading and math in grade twelve. This reinforces the trend of more states instituting standardized tests, many of which at least partially determine funding for schools and graduation eligibility.

Proponents of this act claim that increased standardized testing will lead to greater teacher accountability concerning student learning. Further, it is believed that if students are at least proficient enough to pass the exams, then they have received a basic, sound education. Opponents of the plan, on the other hand, feel that it is inappropriate to put so much weight on one exam. They often feel that test bias or test anxiety can adversely affect scores and therefore render the tests inaccurate.

While politicians and educational leaders continue arguing over this issue, day-to-day teachers have little control over what happens. As a teacher, your only option is to make the best of the decisions that are handed down to you.