The Massachusetts Education Reform Act is a sweeping, and incredibly important piece of legislation that was passed, and signed into law by Governor William Weld in 1993. Massachusetts sets an example of world class education for the Commonwealth’s youth and public school aged children. This Act is seen as a continuation, and builds on the Commonwealth’s tradition of leadership in education as set by the Massachusetts Board of Education in 1837. The Massachusetts Education Reform Act, or MERA set forth education standards that would be set over a seven year period. This act is still used today as a foundational piece of legislation, and has been built upon and strengthened into the 21st century. This historic act is described as the most "dramatic change” in generations regarding how the Commonwealth oversaw the states education. Multiple changes took place due to MERA including more school funding, student learning accountability, standards for students set by the state in regards to students, educators, and school districts. Two major changes enacted by MERA include the creation and introduction of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, better known as MCAS and the creation of state charter schools. MCAS began being administered to students in 1998. The test first began by testing students in grade 4, grade 8, and finally in the 10th grade. The test then expanded to be administered to students grade 3 to 8, as well as grade 9 and 10. Students were first tested in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. The subject area of the MCAS also expanded to test science, and technology. In accordance to the development of MCAS, and the state also frameworks and guidelines for school curriculum. These common core guidelines included educational requirements including science, languages, math, art and health. Prior to these guidelines, the only statewide education requirements that had to be met were history, and physical education. Moving onto charter schools, the state Board of Education approved the opening of charter schools in 1998. Charter schools function and operate as “independent public schools.” The state approved the opening of 22 charter schools to open in Massachusetts. Another drastic change enacted through MERA was the state provided education funding. MERA established district specific funding. This funding is known as “foundational spending” and was established by Chapter 70 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 70 is the state aid program that funds public elementary and secondary schools. Chapter 70 exists as an “education aid formula” and establishes “a minimum level of educational spending for all districts(Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, n.d.)”. In 1993, the state spent approximately $5500 per student. Along with establishing a monetary amount spent on students, MERA also established hours for students to study main subjects, at least 900 hours would be spent for students to study in elementary schools, and 990 hours would be dedicated for students to study in secondary schools. Along with students, teachers would also have new guidelines to follow after the passing of MERA. In 1998, all Massachusetts teachers would be “required to pass two tests to become certified to teach in Massachusetts public schools: knowledge of subject content, and communication/literacy skills. Current teachers who are provisionally certified, or who seek to be certified in a new field, also need to pass the subject matter test"(Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, n.d.). These standards were new for teachers who began their careers prior to 1993.