I think, as you seem to point out, the real problem is trying to reduce teachers to factory work, where these tests are sort of quality assurance after the fact

I think, as you seem to point out, the real problem is trying to reduce teachers to factory work, where these tests are sort of quality assurance after the fact. It's important to get back to the idea of hand crafted education, rather than trying to mass produce it, and work on hiring good teachers, and turning them loose.