What was a key component of the education reforms implemented during Bush's presidency?

The education reforms implemented during George W. Bush's presidency prominently featured a focus on standardized testing. This emphasis was a significant aspect of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), enacted in 2001. The law aimed to improve educational outcomes across the United States by holding schools accountable for student performance, which was primarily measured through standardized tests. These tests were designed to assess whether students were meeting specific educational benchmarks, thereby increasing pressure on schools to ensure all students achieved proficiency in core subjects.

This approach aimed to close achievement gaps among different student demographics and to provide parents with clear information regarding school performance. By linking federal funding to test results, the reforms sought to encourage schools to improve their educational practices and ensure that all children, regardless of their background or location, had access to quality education.

The other options do not align with the main reforms during this period. Increased federal funding for colleges, mandatory school uniforms, and free college tuition were not central components of the educational policies prioritized under Bush, making the focus on standardized testing the most accurate answer.