ORLANDO - A high-profile advisory group began delving into the highly technical details of making and scoring the FCAT on Friday, the first step in reviewing last year's botched scores and hopefully preventing future foul-ups.

But first came sobering comments from superintendents and testing experts alike: Fix the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, make it more transparent and explain it better to the public. Or else.

"I think all aspects of state assessment should be looked at," said John Hilderbrand, the recently retired testing director for Hillsborough County schools. "If you don’t do that … there will be an uprising."

State education officials say they're listening. Education Commissioner Jeanine Blomberg told the group that Friday's meeting will be the first of many. And she wants an independent, outside review to be a permanent part of the state's complicated and high stakes testing system. "This is the beginning," she said.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter