The North County Times on May 4 and 5 ran opinion articles highly critical of standardized testing without acknowledging the purpose or many benefits to students of the state's testing program.

I find it frightening that the commentary authors, both college professors, one of whom teaches future teachers, are so ill-informed.

The sole purpose of California's high standards, assessment and accountability program is to create a laser-like focus on improving student achievement. In California's standards-based testing system, students are not measured on a bell curve, but on how well they master rigorous academic content standards. These tests measure what students should know and be able to do in each subject area of each grade level.

It is precisely because of California's testing system that schools and the state know where to target resources. In four years, testing data has prompted California to direct nearly $600 million to our lowest performing schools to ensure teachers and principals are trained to high standards and that classrooms have standards-based textbooks. Another $1.8 billion has been provided statewide for struggling students to receive needed assistance.

The very students Juan Necochea claims are harmed by testing ("Reforms are hurting, not helping our schools," Perspective, May 4) are in fact benefiting the most from California's standards-based system of school accountability.

In the past, the poor performance of low-income and minority groups was routinely accepted and excused. Under the state'?s system of testing and accountability, subgroups of students, including those who are socio-economically disadvantaged, must improve achievement if their school is to meet target goals for improvement. Through annual public reporting, the light of day is shed on every school's progress.

Only in the past five years has California ended the harm and tragedy of low expectations and poor instruction for our neediest students.

The professors are out of sync with California parents and citizens, the vast majority of whom support high standards for all students and want schools held accountable for student progress.

Kerry Mazzoni is California secretary of education.