The author has lived in two worlds for many years. As a former band director and musician, he was constantly immersed in the world of creativity. Even today, after 36 years in educational administration, he spends his weekends judging band contests that require long hours at very low pay. He does so because he enjoys the creativity and enthusiasm of the students and the directors as they create a powerful art form. The other world he is immersed in is that of school superintendent. The two worlds seem to conflict, and he is often polarized between creativity and logic. As a superintendent, he is constantly pulled back into the logic of the real world of No Child Left Behind and accountability. This accountability manifests itself in standardized tests using a multiple-choice format that many researchers are saying is "dumbing down" or "narrowing" the curriculum. More than a few authors say this approach is stifling creativity in schools. In this article, the author suggests ways on how schools can continue to promote basic skills testing requirements that hamper creativity and limit the innovation of technology. Schools must ensure students have basic competency in math, science, reading, technology and citizenship. They also must figure out how to assess these skills in innovative and creative ways that use technology.