Are standardized tests a good representative of how smart a child really is?

As we all have learned one of the most influential people in modern day physics/science is Albert Einstein. However, Einstein failed a college entrance exam. I don't think any person would change the beliefs that Einstein was a genius because he failed a standardized test. Thomas Edison was considered "to stupid to learn" and yet he has been considered a lead inventor in history and influential in modern day civilization. Winston Churchill failed the 6th grade. These are all extremely influential people in our history and considered "genius". I do not change my opinion of them because they failed a standardized test or school.

If three influential people in our history prove that testing or how they did in school does not determine how smart they are as an individual, then why is this America's primary form of determining how smart a child is? We just have three extremely major exceptions in history?

For me personally I am a horrible test taker, have extreme test anxiety, and do not think that scores on these tests are a good representation of what I know. But teachers and employers recognize that because they know and relate to me as an individual, not a statistic in a standardized test. Some students are hands on learners, what are we doing as a nation to help students with those types of learning skills, because testing is not benefiting these students.

As talked about in class there has not been enough time to determine the outcomes of the standardized testing efforts. But we are requiring the teachers to "find the time" to properly prepare the students to pass the test, or there could be consequences. Sounds like we are putting to much pressure on students, and teachers, to pass a test that we really don't have the statistical data to show if it is beneficial or not.

Also, our nation was founded on supporting dreams and independence. Why have we taken it upon ourselves to label or determine how children should be, and not as they are? Part of an educational "journey" is to eventually determine what you as an individual enjoy, what you are good at, and what you would like to do when you grow up. Education is giving children the tools to successfully do this on their own, not telling them what to be. Money should be spent on giving children these tools, giving them a well rounded education in all areas, so they can determine what they want to be on their own. Not putting money and such importance on having to be good science and math test takers.