"The 2012 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) exams results tell us that Maryland is making the right choices in educational improvement. We're implementing higher standards in reading and mathematics that are tied to International standards and designed to prepare our graduates for college or career. Our schools this spring will pilot the new PARCC assessments that will provide a better yardstick for student learning. We continue to invest in Maryland's highly regarded early childhood development programs, and local districts have launched new teacher and principal evaluation systems. These improvements are necessary, because Maryland graduates aren't just competing with the students sitting next to them, but those sitting in Singapore, Shanghai, and around the world."