I'm definitely not for standardized testing, and I think grade school is more about subsidized daycare than effective learning. But the letter is a little bit extreme when suggesting failure of the test. Any sufficiently intelligent child will be able to express their individuality and creativity outside of that particular testing environment. While writing the test, you can choose to recognize what it is, and supply the formulaic answers expected to do well. Then forget about it and continue being creative an excellent in your other endeavours.
There are many scenarios in life where you are expected to follow a procedure. The procedure may not be ideal, and it may even be completely counterproductive. But you jump through the hoops, and apply yourself to the expected outcome of the procedure if you want to succeed.
If I were advising my child I would tell them it's nonsense, the adults messed it up, but try to do well anyway given the rules and expected answers. Playing along can be an important skill. To be used judiciously.
There are many scenarios in life where you are expected to follow a procedure. The procedure may not be ideal, and it may even be completely counterproductive. But you jump through the hoops, and apply yourself to the expected outcome of the procedure if you want to succeed.
If I were advising my child I would tell them it's nonsense, the adults messed it up, but try to do well anyway given the rules and expected answers. Playing along can be an important skill. To be used judiciously.