The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was enacted in 2001 to improve educational outcomes for all students in the United States. It aimed to close achievement gaps by increasing accountability for schools, teachers, and students, requiring standardized testing to measure progress. NCLB emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child receives a quality education, regardless of their background. The act provided federal funding to support schools but also imposed consequences for those that failed to meet performance standards, ultimately reshaping the landscape of public education in America.