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" And since there's monetary impact to the test scores, -- big, gasping surprise -- the schools have taken to teaching to the tests. The current emphasis on "testing" is a crock, foisted on us by idiots who want to pretend they're doing something about education."

Not doing a very good job of teaching to tests are they?

Maybe there are too many tests. When I was in HS in NYC [a long time ago], the State Board gave 'Regents' tests which the teachers taught to and did a very good job. Tests were in English, History and Economics. Diplomas were with or without Regents credit. I believe this single test helped teachers, students, and schools.

Tests provide measure in health, sports or learning. Tests are for admission to professions. Knowing the 'score' is how the game is played.

Not doing a very good job of teaching to tests are they?

It depends on the school, of course.

If "they" happen to be a school filled with well-off kids from two-parent families, they generally do great on the tests.

And if "they" happen to be a school filled with poor kids from a place near the street named for MLK, they'll almost always do poorly.

Testing can't deal with that kind of difference.