FCAT critics argue that teachers focus on teaching for the test instead of having the students gain real knowledge. The blog "FCAT: Seminole Schools Teach to the Test," published by the Orlando Sentinel in 2008, claimed that the FCAT was driving the Seminole schools; the school year ended when students took the FCAT. The article "FCAT; Study Praises FCAT as Indicator of Learning," published by the Florida Department of Education, responds to this criticism not by denying that teachers are teaching to the test, but by claiming that teaching to the test is teaching at least something.
The Florida Department of Education indicates that only students in public schools and those with Opportunity and McKay scholarships take the FCAT; however, passing the tenth grade FCAT is a requirement to graduate from public schools in Florida. FCAT Critics argue that it is unfair that privileged students from private schools or those who are home schooled do not have to undergo the stress of taking the FCAT in order to graduate with a high school diploma.
The Florida Department of Education states that all English Language Learners (ELLs) should take the FCAT. Even students enrolled in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) should take the Math, Science and English portion. They are exempt from Reading and Writing, only if they have been receiving ESOL service for less than 1 year. Critics argue this is unfair. The Sunshine State TESOL Journal claims that children require at least 5 years to learn all academic aspects of a second language.