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I would suppose that Florida's FCAT is like Massachusett's MCAS test. They give it to the kids in 10th grade; if they don't pass, they get it in 11th, and then if they don't pass, they get another crack at it in 12th. My kids (in 10th grade) love it--an easy test, measuring a modest level competence for a tenth grader, is all it is. They know they'll pass, and the school must take something like a week administering it -- easy test, no classes, no homework. For the kids its a one-shot joke--they don't expect to ever take it again. But they've been taking "lead-up tests" in 7th grade, and 8th grade. Its getting silly.

I would think these "community leaders" (we have them in MA, also) would be embarassed to squawk about the test as biased and too difficult for their constituents. If you can't pass it, you'll have trouble mopping floors at the local quickfood place.

For the kids its a one-shot joke--they don't expect to ever take it again. But they've been taking "lead-up tests" in 7th grade, and 8th grade. It's getting silly.

On the other hand, and this is what I always told my students in middle school when they had to take the test, these "kids" are going to be taking a number of tests in their lives -- so, they might as well learn how to pass them now. I would ask my students: Who plans to ever drive a car, or a boat, or fly a plane? And, almost all hands would shoot up. Then I would tell them no one is handing them a license to do any of these things; they have to study, and demonstrate knowledge by passing a test. And, if they plan to become a doctor or an engineer or a lawyer or any other number of professions, they will also be required to pass a test for entry into higher education and beyond.

Once kids see these tests in the context of life and adulthood, they often understand they are actually getting some valuable preparation right now.
I feel very sorry for those students who are struggling and whose parents and community leaders blast the tests, because I wonder if those students conclude they can simply complain about, and avoid, any test they encounter in the future. If so, that really shortens their list of options in many areas down the road.