No, of course you don't need to, but apparently, people do it anyway. The score the child then receives is not a true reflection of the child's abilities.
Hogwash. That's misinformation and not true. Most people do not get a copy of the actual test and test questions beforehand. If they did, and this was proven, the exams scores should be cancelled. The County should have cancelled the exam scores for the last 15 years if the County children all had copies of the actual exam and test questions.
If the College Board found out students cheated and had leaked copies of the SAT test the results would be nullified. On the other hand, millions of students (including your own) have prepped and prepared for the SAT exam year in and year out without the actual questions on the test. Why? Because the kids want to go to "good" colleges to get a challenging education. It is the same reason why children prepare for tests in elementary and middle school. They wish to get a challenging education. We know a challenging education is much better for children than a non challenging curriculum and education. And the next level assessment always takes into account whether a child took the most challenging course at the previous level.
I do not believe your statement that kids have the test questions the nigh before. I do believe that many parents (including you) have extensively prepared their children for school and tests through enrichment programs and tutoring. The latter is more believeable than the County children all with copies of the test the night before. And the enrichment and prepartation you and others provide your children does give them an advantage on these tests and is reflective of their ability. However, very few of these children are gifted.
The goals of education should be to encourage children to reach their potential and highest abilities. There is no denial this involves going to school, preparation, parental involvement and enrichment. It is up to the school system to appropriately evaluate children. If the County is incompetent, in this regard, it is not the fault of children or parents prepparing children for their studies. The County should understand the predictive value (or lack thereof) of their screening instruments/tools and not simply use them to track and condemn children to an unchallenging curriculum.
No one here has advocated for parents and children to obtain copies of examination and test questions. That being said, there is absolutely nothing illegal or immoral when children prepare for tests using any method, form, format that works for them. I do not care whether they do this the night before, a week before, or years before.
Those here who have no problem with families and children who prepare for tests (prepping) are not referring to stealing the test questions or obtaining the actual test. That is cheating. No one here is advocating procuring the test and test questions before the test. But, I applaud any child who has the good sense to prepare for his (her) tests and studies.