I'm one of the parents who hates the MCAS tests in Massachusetts. I think they have stifled teachers and creativity in the classroom. Everyone teaches for the test all year. There are no more interesting projects or creative teaching. Kids never learn how to think outside the box. What if a kid is just not good at taking tests. Should that be our only measure?
I admire teachers, I know I couldn't do it. In the age of instant gratification, cell phones, videos, computers, and xbox, its a wonder you can keep their attention at all!!!!