Thoughts on Testing

In my last post on the commentary "Learning From Abroad" I mentioned that one feature of high performing schools in other countries is that assessment is used not so much as a way to hold teachers accountable for student learning, but as a diagnostic tool and information to shape instruction.  Assessments are also closely linked to the curriculum.  As the parent of two children in public schools, I am appalled by how much instructional time is devoted to state testing.  What I have been reading about testing in Ed Week is also disturbing.  In her article "Duncan's Alarm on 'Failing' Schools Raises Eyebrows", Michele McNiel reports that Arne Duncan reported to Congress that as many as 82% of the schools in this country may not meet AYP.  At the same time that state and federal governments are raising the bar by increasing the scores needed for students to pass the tests, school districts around the nation are cutting teachers, eliminating librarians, shrinking music and art programs, etc.  All of this will only serve to make it even more difficult for students to learn, teachers to teach, and schools to meet AYP.  Does this make sense?