I'll agree with you, but not for the reason you suspect. Here in Massachusetts, a lot of the programs I encounter (I'm a tutor and Math SAT prepper) are geared toward specifically one goal....success on the state tests.
Now, the Republican fave Governor Romney, came up with a new wrinkle...anyone who scores in the top 20%ile gets free tuition at state colleges...all levels. That would mean that students who don't take those tests, like private school students (home study, too?) lose that advantage.
I take that to be a devious way to destroy non-public education.
Isn't this the same governor who might run for President?