FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which educational law mandates school attendance for children in Massachusetts?

1. Child Labor Law

2. First Compulsory Education Law

3. Mother's Day Law

4. National Education Act

The correct answer is: First Compulsory Education Law

The First Compulsory Education Law is the correct choice as it directly pertains to the requirement for children to attend school in Massachusetts. This law was enacted to ensure that all children receive an education, which is considered essential for their development and for the benefit of society as a whole. The enforcement of compulsory education helps to reduce truancy and improve overall educational outcomes. In Massachusetts, the first compulsory education law was introduced in the early 1850s, setting a precedent for mandatory schooling that has since been adopted and refined over time. This legislation is foundational in establishing the obligation for parents and guardians to ensure that their children are enrolled in and attending school. The other options do not pertain specifically to mandatory school attendance. The Child Labor Law primarily focuses on regulating the age and hours of work for minors, rather than on education. The Mother's Day Law does not relate to education; instead, it honors mothers and their contributions. The National Education Act encompasses broader national educational initiatives but does not specifically address state-level attendance mandates like the First Compulsory Education Law.