The PISA 2012 report of international student performance in Mathematics, Reading and Science as published by the OECD, 3 December 2013 provides an opportunity to compare literacy, numeracy and scientific literacy across countries. Published every 3 years, it provides a benchmark for educators worldwide.
ACER provides an Australian perspective on the report
OECD News release: Asian countries top OECD’s latest PISA survey on state of global education
'The OECD’s PISA results reveal what is possible in education by showing what students in the highest-performing and most rapidly improving education systems can do. The findings allow policy makers around the world to gauge the knowledge and skills of students in their own countries in comparison with those in other countries, set policy targets against measurable goals achieved by other education systems, and learn from policies and practices applied elsewhere.' (OECD)