Good news -- but can students think critically?

Good news for a change: Our kids are doing better on the state standardized tests, a trend that is echoed in other urban areas.
Nevertheless, as a parent who has watched the ridiculous emphasis on FCAT, I'm worried that my kids are being taught the test. I want something more -- more academic rigor, the challenge of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, etc.
How are we doing there?