Standardized testing, especially how implemented in this country, is destroying our education system, damaging the arts and other abstract thinking. We have lost focus on the foundational building blocks in education. In addition a National standard should be designed from the grassroots of education.
In every state, have meetings in every district/private/charter school for every grade level, special needs and other disciplines (art, music, drama.....) to determine what is appropriate for each age group. Take one representative from each grade and discipline to the same type of meeting at a county/parish level, then regionally within the state, then to the state level & finally to the national level. Federally designed plans are flawed as they are put together by politicians & Academics.