testing based on reading ability? wrong!

Reading is an essential part of life in not just america, but in all parts of the world. It's obviously been important enough for standardized tests to be made based on the ability to answer multiple choice questions and reading comp. But as a science teacher, I think just the mere ability to speak english or read is not quite as essential. Science, along with math, are more universal languages. Even if I have a student that struggles with the reading i think that students should be able to learn more through hands on learning than tests. Labs and group work are more essential than tests in my classroom.
In one of my other education classes, I learned that multiple choice questions are more of a recognition test. You don't even really have to know what you're answering or what the question is asking. As long as you can recognize key words and phrases, you're golden. Tests should not be tricky on purpose! why are you trying to fail your students? we as teachers need to be fair when it comes to tests for all types of students (though this is not an easy task).
But tests are important. We use them to know where our students stand and if they understand the material. So, since these assessments are so crucial, for our students that have a disability, these assistive learning technologies are great! being able to hear the question instead of reading it cuts out a lot of time for some students who have trouble with reading.