Finland: The World Education Leader?

   Wow, who would've thought that Finland is one of the world leaders in education? I had no idea, but I can see why they are being heralded. Americans have to appreciate the structures they have set in place. I think that these themes were the most important from the article: equity, standardized tests/data, competition, and how teachers are revered.

Equity
   I love how they've found a way to achieve educational equity. Ever since I was old enough to understand how affluence affects academic achievement, I've noticed that schools with more money do better. When I actually had the opportunity to work at both ends of the spectrum in college, I became even more aware of how much money, or the lack thereof, makes a difference in schools. I admire how Finland has set up structures to ensure achievement in all communities.

Standardized Tests/Data
   FINNISH STUDENTS DO NOT TAKE STANDARDIZED TESTS!!! Enough said. I'm not saying that standardized tests are completely unnecessary, but there is way too much stock put into them. Finland has figured out that standardizing towards a perceived norm doesn't accurately gauge learning. Nor, does it accurately gauge teaching and instruction. All it gauges is one's ability to navigate through the state's "annual academic labyrinth." The use of data should be used to improve the structures that run the school--not to steer more resources in the direction of what's hurting the students the most.

Competition
   Now, I am a huge proponent of competition. I think that competition is one of the most effective ways to pull the most out of anyone. But I do understand the concept of cooperation. It seems that the Finns have figured out how to establish an educational cooperative. I'm not exactly sure how, but it seems that through the cultivation of a culture of teamwork, educational cameraderie can be achieved.

Reverence of Teachers
   The most interesting aspect of the article was definitely the part about teachers' place in Finnish society. Teachers are regarded as highly as medical doctors! Again, teachers are regarded as highly as medical doctors! One more time, teachers are regarded as highly as medical doctors!!! The fact that they are respected for their professionalism and highly regarded for their abilities is a refreshing thought. I love how they work with parents to adjust the curriculum, how they are independently responsible for planning, and how they are trusted without reservations.

Hopefully, Americans will take heed to the example set by Finland. I am a fan of what's going on over there. Moreover, I hope there can be some implementation of Finland's educational plan in my own school.....