From someone living in this piece of crap system, I gotta say that's not the case. Instead it makes all education uniform. Evidently, if no child is permitted to get ahead, no child can be left behind.
The average 6th grader should be able to pass these tests. All they are accomplishing by testing in high school is making teachers and students waste 2-3 yrs reviewing to ensure they keep state funding. Time better spent preparing for the future by getting as far ahead as possible.
It's bull.

__________________
Should they whisper false of you,
Never trouble to deny;
Should the words they say be true,
Weep and storm and swear they lie.
-Dorothy Parker

The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his.
-Patton