Can a student refuse to take the FCAT?

In Florida, students cannot simply refuse to take the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA), which replaced the FCAT. While parents have some rights regarding their children's education, refusing to participate without a legitimate exemption is generally not an option. The state requires participation for accountability and funding purposes.

There might be limited exceptions for students with documented disabilities or extenuating circumstances, but these would require proper documentation and approval from the school district. Simply disagreeing with the test or wanting to opt out is not sufficient grounds for refusal. A parent or guardian would need to work with the school to explore any potential legitimate exemptions.