Thoughts on standardized testing

I just found this video on the BCTF website. While it's mainly focused on Science and the Science 10 provincial that is now required, what the teachers in the video have to say is applicable to all subjects with standardized tests. I know it's a bit of a long video but I think the messages that come through are important and support some of the ideas we have discussed in our class. On my observation, one Socials 11 teacher who used to incorporate numerous projects and research type activities told me that he has had to cut most of that out, basically cut out the fun things that students really learn and benefit from, in order to teach to the test. How does that benefit our students? I really don't think it does.