I agree we need to test but I think the problem is what we do with the test scores. It should be a natural goal for a school to raise it's test scores as time goes on. Learning the correct way to do things and improve.
The main issue I see is how funding is provided to schools based on the scores. It makes everyone focus solely on the scores because each administer is trying to get money to run the school which is based on how they test. Provides the wrong kind of message. We should be passively looking at these scores and sending additional support to schools that are low not basing how much money the school gets based on them.
Its nice to see successful tech companies actually fighting some patents. It makes me sad to see Apple Microsoft IBM etc just pay patent trolls because it is cheaper to do so than defeating the patents.
Now if you live on the boat you are using it which would make it more economical however I'm sure the upkeep and fuel costs more than a house would.