When I opt out I have to see the principals. My oldest DD principal always comments that she'd do very well in the test & they'd like to have her take it.
Yes, she is very smart & her score is basically worth dollar signs.
When I opt out my other DD the principal says nothing. She has several learning disabilities & would fail miserably. In their eyes it's probably good she opts out. She is not worth money.
So students intelligence is based on a score on a once a year test that brings a school money.

The significance of this test is huge. I receive emails from the teacher & principal on what to feed my child for breakfast, what time to send them to bed, how to encourage them that morning & the school will have pep rallies to get the kids excited.
To me, it's ridiculous!
Now if teacher incomes are going to be based on student performance which teacher is going to get the slower ones? Who is going to want to teach them bec they know their scores will b lower & bring in less money for a school.
This becomes a slippery slope not even based on education but ultimately based on MONEY!

I recently heard a TedTalk about decision making & how kids stress too much about which college to choose & test scores. He emphasized that college is about the experience, not the name of the college. What you get out of college is what you put into it. The life skills taught during this time.
My child can find the area of a rhombus, but will not be taught how to balance a checkbook or what APR is when applying for a credit card. These r life skills that need to be taught not just from a parent....because half the time my kids don't listen to me anyway lol!