Yes, because it's federal money. As a practical matter, it would be impossible for the federal government to evaluate individual teachers. So, they evaluate individual schools and school districts.
If the school boards aren't using the information to take corrective action with the schools and the teachers, then that's their fault. But, it's not the fault of the test. So long as the schools take federal money - and they will continue to take federal money - then there should also be some federal accountability. That accountability manifests itself, at least in part, in the test.
We used to allow the states to direct the curriculum for the schools. Then the civil rights movement took decision-making from the states and moved it to federal. There are sound reasons for that, but 40 years later, it seems that it could be re-evaluated.
My observation is federal money involves mostly Title 1 or special education funds (which is most helpful). But, the tail is wagging the dog when school administrators focus on how many students can ‘qualify’ for these federal funds so they can be more.
We have lost the sense of nurturing our children when they can no longer go to a school that is close to their neighborhood. We exist to strive for diversity. Even in very poor neighborhoods with total minority population, the local administrators should be able to decide how best to deliver a “Standardized Curriculum” for the local needs without fear of bias or prejudice. It really SHOULD be all about the children. But not sentiments directed from those housed by the Potomoc.