The kind of testing we are now doing is an inadequate measure of what our children need to learn: how to think critically based on concrete knowledge rather than supposition. Our future depends upon a well educated populace who can think critically and creatively.
Why is this important?
Most of the tests students routinely take to test their progress are hardly a valid indicator of what we should be measuring: the capacity to think critically in order to be prepared to solve the many complex issues we are facing. Our populace confuses beliefs with facts, scientific knowledge with superstition, etc. Teaching to success on tests narrows the curriculum and that will be even worse once teachers' jobs are keyed to their students' ability to take tests.
