Gripes: NCLB and Testing

Today the entire district was subjected to a training seminar for the state tests we administer every year. The fact that we have to the tests isn't work griping about. Until the federal government pulls its head out and realizes that standardized tests are not the way to increase achievement we are stuck with them. My gripe is with Department of Education's unending, contradictory rules for those tests. Some examples:

• Tests of special education students who have modifications in IEP's must be modified, but will not count toward the school and district participation percentages.
• Students taking the mathematics test can use a calculator, manipulatives (rulers, protractors, counting sticks, etc.), a multiplication table and the provided formulas. At the same time, teachers must remove bulletin board strips that read "1+2=3, 5+6=11"
• Teachers who are working one-on-one with students providing modifications on the math test may only read the words in story problems, not the numbers or signs (ie: Jack has ____ apples. If he adds ____ more, how many will he have?)
• My personal favorite, while monitoring testing teachers are not allowed to make supportive comments such as "Keep up the good work" and "You're doing a great job." Teachers doing one-on-ones must read in monotone and not use non-verbal gestures of any kind.