<p>At least the TAKs in TX cover more subject matter now. When it was the TAAS, no science or social studies was covered--and thus not taught. After adding science and social studies, the state had to redouble effort in those areas. Still, the science test is more of a reading comprehension test. </p>
<p>The TAAS/TAKs writing is very much like the new SAT essay. Formulaic. </p>
<p>I do agree that there is too much "accountability" in that the number of schools caught cheating on their TAKs results is increasing each year.</p>