It's part of the problem yeah. And yes I have seen one. There are tons of those old tests floating around the Net. Outside the context of the time they were given it's not reasonable to compare. Those turn-of-the-century 8th graders wouldn't be able to answer many of the questions (especially science) questions asked of students today.
I don't agree. Those are the basics/foundation on which the knowledge of today are built upon.
That's like saying our past history need not be taught. Without knowledge of history, there is no way to value the freedom you have now.