The old tests as well as the new required years of preparation.
Here's a typical 8th grade math question from a draft NY state test based on the Common Core, a set of standards used across the country.
Note: you can't get through this test with good guessing on multiple choice questions.
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/common-core-sample-questions/math-grade-8.pdf
A trainer for a professional football team keeps track of the amount of water players consume throughout practice. The trainer observes that the amount of water consumed is a linear function of the temperature on a given day. The trainer finds that when it is 90°F the players consume about 220 gallons of water, and when it is 76°F the players consume about 178 gallons of water.
Part A. Write a linear function to model the relationship between the gallons of water consumed and the temperature.
Part B. Explain the meaning of the slope in the context of the problem.
_________________________________
Or this, from an 8th grade reading test based on the Common Core.
http://blogs.egusd.net/ccss/educators/ela/8th-grade/
How does reading the text compare to viewing the power point or video version? Cite specific textual evidence from both mediums.
How is a topic similar and different when presented in the various mediums? Cite specific textual evidence from each mediums.
Which medium is most effective in presenting the topic of _____________? Why? Cite specific textual evidence from both mediums.
What limitations are evident when using _________ (medium) to present the topic? Cite specific textual evidence.
After reviewing print, digital, video, and/or multimedia presentations on the same topic, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Which is the most effective in conveying an understanding of the topic? Why? Use examples from the different mediums to support your evaluation.