The 1990s were a decade of significant changes in public education. One major development was the increasing focus on standardized testing as a means of evaluating student achievement. The 1994 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) included provisions requiring states to develop and implement standardized testing programs. This led to the development of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and other assessments aimed at measuring student performance.
Another major change in public education during this period was the push for greater accountability in schools.
The passage of Improving America’s Schools Act (IASA) in 1994 required schools to develop accountability plans aimed at improving student performance and addressing achievement gaps. The IASA also increased funding for teacher training programs and provided resources for schools to implement research-based instructional strategies.
The 1990s also saw an increasing focus on technology in education. The growth of the internet and the development of new educational technologies led to the integration of technology into classroom instruction. This included the use of computers and other digital resources to support teaching and learning.
The 1990s marked a period of increasing diversity in public education. The passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990 required schools to provide appropriate services and accommodations for students with disabilities, leading to greater inclusion of these students in regular classrooms. The 1990s also saw a push for greater diversity in teacher hiring and increased attention to the needs of English language learners.
Changes in public education from 1990 to 2000 were characterized by a focus on accountability, standardized testing, technology integration, and diversity. These developments laid the groundwork for ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes and ensure access to high-quality education for all students.