The objective of this dissertation is to test the following propositions:

• Educational opportunity became more equal as a consequence of MERA.
• The degree to which socio-economic status is a determinant of educational outcomes in Massachusetts has decreased as a consequence of MERA.
• Education standards have been raised and educational outcomes have improved as a consequence of MERA.

The largest possible sample of school districts and towns was selected.

Educational opportunity is measured by expenditure per pupil.

Socio-Economic Status is assessed using Education, Median Income, Poverty and a composite index knows as the TSEI2.

Education standards are measured by the results of two sets of standardized tests: scores from the Massachusetts Educational Assessment Program ("MEAP") and scores from the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System ("MCAS").