What educational movement in the 1990s emphasized developmentally appropriate practices?

The educational movement that emphasized developmentally appropriate practices in the 1990s is associated with Open Classrooms. This approach centered on creating flexible learning environments where education is tailored to meet the developmental needs of students rather than adhering strictly to rigid curricular structures. Open Classrooms fostered an emphasis on student choice, exploration, and cooperative learning, ensuring that the teaching methods were conducive to children's natural learning processes.

This focus aligns with the principles of developmentally appropriate practices, which advocate for educational experiences that match children's age, individual needs, and cultural backgrounds. In contrast, the other options do not specifically target developmentally appropriate practices. No Child Left Behind aimed at accountability and standardized testing, A Nation at Risk highlighted educational deficiencies in the U.S., and Academic Rationalism sought to prioritize content knowledge and academic rigor. Thus, Open Classrooms stands out as the correct answer for its direct connection to developmentally appropriate educational strategies.