As a teacher I am told what to teach and I must adhere to that. I can't just teach what I want to teach. I must collect data on a daily basis and track each student on every indicator to show progress. And yes, ALL of that is geared to the state tests. That is where we are now, like it or not, it is reality in education. There's no room for creativity or veering away from the script.
I also believe that in the near future knowing how to write your signature will be unnecessary. Technology will take us to using finger printing or an iris scan of the eye to sign a legal document.