Which theories and historical influences should most impact the schools we'd like to have?

To be perfectly honest, I don’t know very much at all in this subject field. EDU 101 helped a lot with wiki projects to introduce us to the idea that educational changes do happen. Also, the in-class project where we created our own schools opened us up to the fact that everyone is looking for something different. Schools are constantly changing as new ideas come into play. Right now, there is a debate over the consolidation of school districts. This seems like a pretty good idea, however, with Maine’s many rural communities, it may be a challenge to do so effectively. This may have an effect on schooling, it may not. One topic that will/is effecting our schools is the No Child Left Behind Act, and though that is happening right now, I know surprisingly little about it. I do know that it will supposedly help more children to pass though our school systems by "teaching to the test." I am strongly opposed to this act, though, the fact that I know little about it, does leave me open for new interpretations of the issue.

My question for this subject area is to learn more about NCLB. Also, are there any other acts being put into place currently that I should be aware of? What are they and what are they about?