Taking what you have learned and showing critical thinking is what’s really rewarded in school. Repeating shit is not highly valued. Applying the information and tools you have learned is what’s rewarded.
Discussion
Both are, in different circumstances.
I guess that’s true in a way. Certain subjects (at certain levels) are more about being able to repeat rules or information. But sooner or later I would argue that teachers want you to apply - not repeat - what you have learned.
In my experience as a student, it's mostly humanities (such as history) that are about remembering and mostly STEM subjects (such as mathematics) that are about understanding.
In a mathematics or programming test, they can even let you use the book and you still won't be able to do it if your level of understanding is insufficient.
But you would be able to pass a history test you're not well prepared for if you were allowed to use the book.
But, then, it also depends on the teacher. There are good and bad teachers.
Unschooling is not about that at all - it's about recognizing who came up with the whole school-system idea (you know these guys from the monetary system...) - and to completely let go of this and learn the human way - it's called living. IMO kids don't need tests, I don't care which subject, unnecessary