I think the author needs to be more aware of the education results in other countries.
By all accounts that I have noted the USA continues to slip behind the outcomes being achieved elsewhere. A recent article in the New York Times noted this. So our federal leaders are on the wrong track regarding education.
Finland is the world's leader and in the western world Scandinavian countries are also doing well.
Measurement has little to do with outcomes. Discussion of open ended questions early in school life improves critical thinking abilities, behaviour and outcomes and provides a benefit throughout the whole of life. The proposed ethics trial in NSW is a starting point.
The Clackmannan trial in Scotland is worth reading and is available at;
http://www.rotherham-gt.co.uk/docs/p4c/impact2.doc
In that educational district this type of discussion is being introduced to all primary school classes and to prechools.

Australia should not take anything from the US school reforms. Unfortunately, it sounds like Andrew is a bit misguided, as are Julia and Kevin. Having dealt with teachers and system administrators from the US, I am not in favour (or should we change it to favor?) of any reform based on NCLB. While not perfect, Australia should not turn to the US (or England) for advice. Continual summative testing does not improve results - but it can make a great sensationalist headline! Back to the drawing board for that post Andrew...