FCAT dilemma -- your opinion?

[VEI Dude]

Originally Posted by EricH

I'm with Alan. Remember, the regional dates have not been released yet, so it's quite possible that there won't be a conflict, or that you can get something moved....

I already started down that path and the answer seems pretty firm, that it's based on UCF's spring break period, which is during the FCAT blackout period. Should I petition to change the FCAT dates?... LOL!!!!

I should be cautious about saying this on a public forum, but a big issue here is that the heads of our school are not very interested in this robotics program. Their grading comes from the FCAT scores, not a robotics program. We have an advocate here or there, but not at the very top levels, so threatening to go elsewhere is not much ammo. This has also been a hinderance with some fundraisers. Honestly, I'm done with that battle. As a former project manager, I can say that one of the best things I've learned over time is that if the customers don't want to change their app/way of doing things, then it's no use pushing a new project down their throat.

I'm in discussions with a few other nearby schools to see if they're interested in starting up a robotics program and partnering with our school for the competition. If they seem more motivated to help us push the district to allow us some flexibility with the FCAT dates, we'd officially form the team at that school (and our current students will go over there for meetings, etc). But the response so far has been less than eager.

Okay, so BEST I've not heard of -- I will investigate. I know of battlebots, but the friendly alliance-type FIRST competitions seemed more appealing for the students. For me though, there is a great appeal in sledgehammering into someone else's robot Thanks for the pointers.

Cheers,
-Neil.