1. Even the name "standardized testing" implies it's own lack of importance. "Standard" means "used or accepted as normal or average." We need children capable of independent thought and exceptional ability, not "standard". The tests given by educators in the classroom are enough to know how a child is doing and with what they struggle. 2. Give teachers greater freedom to pursue creative solutions. Teachers schedules are so bogged down by what they are required to teach that they don't have time to teach how fun learning can be. I sat in on a meeting yesterday and it was mentioned that after-school clubs (including writing and math clubs) are always full to capacity; yet, ask a child and most say school is boring? Why not ditch the after school clubs (save money) and run the school day more like clubs? Apparently kids learn, and become more passionate about learning when they have some freedom to choose. Bureaucracy inhibits the freedom necessary to instill a love of learning.