We'll see larger differences the older kids get. The new tests put more emphasis on probability and statistics with 11th graders. Previously most of the emphasis was on algebra and geometry. What changes is more of the emphasis.

The point of it isn't a system's assessment, but a student assessment.

The scores have increased by 15 percent over the course of four years. The lion's share of that, I think, is (credited to) teachers really focusing on the state's standards. We've worked hard to align our curriculum to make sure we're instructing to the state standards.

These kids were willing to take polygraphs. These kids were willing to take blood tests. They were willing to come down and give statements.

We'll do better next season. We'll have statistics and up-to-date standings on our Web site. And we'll probably have 16 teams in the playoffs. I think 24 teams this season is too many.

In my view, the standardized tests we'd want to distribute on a national level simply do not exist.