This publication presents performance data and the concomitant standards of performance that form the basis of school improvement in Maryland. The Data-Based Areas section of this report describes essential tools for measuring how well schools, school systems, and the state are preparing every student for higher education and successful careers and how they are educating every student. The areas are divided into student-performance factors and supporting information. Student-performance areas include: (1) assessed knowledge on the Maryland Functional Testing Program and the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program; (2) the student's participation in education, which includes attendance and dropout data; and (3) student attainment. Supporting information includes population and financial data. Maryland standards for excellent and satisfactory performance are also defined, and their fulfillment is documented as part of the review of each system. Information is provided in statewide summary tables and in individual tables for the 24 school systems. Thirty tables present the data-based areas for the state and school systems. (SLD)