The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) was passed by the United States Congress, signed by President Bush, and became effective on January 8, 2002 as Public Law 107-110. The Act amends and re-authorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S. C. 6301 et Seq). It represents the most far-reaching reforms to K-12 education since the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was first adopted in 1965. Student and school accountability, along with highly qualified professionals, are some of the principle themes of the NCLB.

The law makes available to states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and territories of the United States programs to help supplement state educational programs to improve student achievement. States that apply for these federal programs are required to commit to the various federal program stipulations and requirements on program and student accountability. Similarly, Arizona School Districts and Charter Schools that choose to apply to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) for these funds must agree to abide by all state and federal regulations.
 
Specific federal programs and NCLB regulations include:

• Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR)
• General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)
• Office of Management and Budget Circulars and all applicable Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) including, but not limited to

• Statutes on Student Accountability - Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS),
• Student Accountability Information System (SAIS)
• English Language Education - English Acquisition Services (EAS)

• State policies regarding district and grant administration including, but not limited to

• The Uniform System of Financial Records for Arizona School Districts (USFR)
• all Arizona State Board of Education State Board Rules contained in Title 7 of the Arizona State Administrative Code