You're right about the memorizing part, somewhat, but that's all. Tests such as OAKS (?) are specific, very much so, as are all the other state-mandated ones supposedly based on core competencies.
Saying "abstract skills" measure intelligence is wrong: they are advertised as such, merely.
"Liberals" haven't done anything injurious to learning--- they've fostered and improved it since the Greeks. "Conservatives," by definition, resist improvements and harken back to the "good old days." We all know thar ain't no such thing, and never were.
Again, since you ignored it, Bush has done more to destroy learning than any modern president. And I'm sorry you disagree: many teacher organizations disagree with you about teaching to the test: they protest it.