Broward School Board members are making a lot of noise about the FCAT schedule for 2011.

First, they were upset that the Florida Department of Education planned to give the annual test the same week as Passover and Easter. So the DOE changed the dates.

Now the Broward board is complaining that the new schedule interferes with the district's spring break plans, the Miami Herald reports. Break would come before the FCAT and, board member Robin Bartleman says, "After spring break, historically, everyone turns off."

So the board will ask the state for permission to return its FCAT materials late so it can have vacation when it wants. Meanwhile, state Rep. Marty Kiar, a Broward Democrat, has filed legislation to give schools wiggle room in administering the FCAT if it falls on a holiday.

Two thoughts. First, why is it that so many people believe that students lose all their ability to think during a vacation? And why is it that the state seems so oblivious to the fact that many people do have religious convictions?

Just something to ponder on a day when most schools are closed.

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