In 2001, Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act (Public Law No: 107-110 - pdf). The President signed it 8 January 2002. Among its provisions:
- All states must implement reading and math assessments. By school year 2007-2008, all students must be assessed in science at least once in the elementary, middle and high school years. Assessments must be aligned with state academic standards and must show whether students are meeting the state standards.
- Each state must provide an annual assessment of English-language proficiency.
- The law authorized two new reading programs. The Reading First program, funded at $900 million in FY '02, is for programs designed to improve reading instruction. The Early Reading First program, funded at $75 million, is a source of competitive funds designed to foster pre-reading skills.