Ours, like Lynlee mentioned, actually starts in 3rd grade, I think. I believe students across the state are tested regularly in grades 3, 5, & 8, before beginning the grad exam cycle I spoke of in 10th grade.
There are always horror stories about the elementary student who became so nervous about the test that he/she threw up on it!
And yes, it does allow students and teachers/administrators to see progress (or lack thereof) from year to year.
Whether this is simply progress in test-taking skill or not... yep... that is the question.
