What's the Point?

Testing is something we've been talking about since our first few weeks of class. As week ten is coming to a close, the haunting topic is still being discussed. Previously commenting on the ways teachers are being evaluated, we have to pause and take another look at the way we as a society our "evaluating" the students and our reasoning behind it. After finding an article on the great frustrations of testing, (http://www.edwize.org/fear-frustration-failure-and-state-tests),  it's come to my attention that no one is truly sure why were putting so much emphasis on these evaluations. This specific article comes from a teacher discussing his students feelings and actions from the pressure of such tests. When I read how elementary students were having panic attacks, getting physically sick, and even flipping desks I couldn't help but question where all this stress is coming from. My main concern here is that the emphasis for testing scores has become so large that it is literally taking over every aspect of schooling. How is a child supposed to enjoy school when they can't stop crying because they are worried about disappointing their teaching with their scores? When does it become fun to stay after school extra hours and come in on Saturdays simply to prepare for tests and not to expand their learning? This force to excel on testing seems to be having a backward affect. I'm not saying I'm 100% against testing, I just believe there has to be a better way. It looks to me like there is just no point in stirring up so much frustration and fear over simple scores on a piece of paper.