I have immediate plans to pursue a doctoral degree in education. That will be more convenient if I'm back on the other side of the mountains.

The only manipulations they can use are what the state gives them. I hand them all out, and I send them all back.

The object is to standardize the test across the state, and the easiest way for the state to do that is to set guidelines for what kids can and can't do. It's as though you had all the fourth-graders in the state in the same room, taking the same test.

I'm here until the end of June, and my goal is to continue the really good work we've been doing. I will continue with long-range planning so that there will not be a lull. (Stanford) will be fantastic. She'll pick up right where I left off.

Personally and professionally, I did not feel that I could commit to the job for three years, and as a result, it would not be fair for me to continue (as director).