I came across this article today, and I think it raises an interesting question.

http://sfgate.greatschools.org/students/academic-skills/considering-statewide-tests.gs?content=47

Do you think that teachers are “dumbing down” the curriculum for the tests, or do these standardized tests really keep schools accountable? 

Excerpt: “The number one problem, many critics say, is that the tests themselves (especially the national, norm-referenced tests) are “dumbing down” the curriculum. Growing numbers of students, teachers and parents express concern that the increased emphasis on testing is encouraging a curriculum focused on rote learning and producing students who can respond to simple test questions but cannot think critically or apply their learning to new circumstances.”

We can only really expect to succeed if we raise the bar and teach our kids to be the best they can be. I see both sides of the argument… but what do you think?