I also can't help but wonder if the need to skip ahead could be due more to slowing the pace and keeping content superficial...
I concur.
Yes, lowering the bar... in the classroom and/or on standardized tests may be a contributing factor in the larger-than-may-be-expected number of children testing above grade level (15%-45%). Regardless the reason, there exist a number of kiddos for whom standard curriculum is a disservice. These are kids who need "more" in order to learn something new every day.
But on the other hand over half of NJ were below grade level:-
link here Ah, but the grade skipping article is focused on those students who are performing
above grade level.