Testing: One, Two, Three, Testing

Sixth graders recently finished a week of state standardized testing.  Seventh and eighth graders took their tests in April; third and fourth graders, in March.  These tests, called the NJ Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) are meant to "measure student attainment of New Jersey's Core Curriculum content."

In second grade, my son has learned that testing weeks are important events at his school. Students are asked to be tiptoe-quiet in the hallways; in the past, videos have replaced regular music classes to reduce the noise level.  

My child knows that, next year, it's his turn.  He's already a little nervous about the whole thing, in spite of the fact that The Grown-ups tell him not to worry.  (If he shouldn't worry, then what's the point of taking those tests in the first place?)  

So far, for him, No Child Left Behind has something to do with holding hands and wearing nametags on field trips.  But standardized tests have an impact on his school life in ways he doesn't yet appreciate.  

How does your child experience standardized tests?  Have you ever been surprised by a test score?  How do you think assessments like NJASK affect curriculum and school morale, if at all?