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Finland as a Model of Reform

Finland is one the world’s most literate nations with the narrowest gap between those who score the highest and lowest on achievement tests.

In 1968, Finnish leaders recognized that the world was changing and began a major restructuring of its education system. The changes were not fully implemented until 1975. The four guiding principles of Finnish education are as follows:

1.	All students deserve good schools, not just some. School funding is equitable so that poor districts are not trapped in the cycle of poverty.

2.	Reforms were implemented in 1975 and have been revised over the years to meet the needs of changing times.

3.	Successful schools are enmeshed in the political, cultural, and economic fabric of society. Citizens from all walks of life participated in the reform efforts. Serious conflicts resulted but were resolved through strong national leadership. Education, not turf, was important.

The Finnish people have great respect for teachers and administrators. There is strong commitment to sound teaching methodologies, building consensus, and maintaining a vision for reform. Teachers are not paid high salaries; but the profession carries great prestige, and jobs searches are competitive.

Additionally:

5.	Finnish schools use the same curriculum for all students.

6.	Students don’t start school until seven and never have a lot of homework.

7.	Little time is devoted to standardized testing. Diagnostic tests are used early used in a child’s schooling; when deficient, students get extra help.

8.	Local teachers and administrators are diligent and skilled at implementing national standards while also addressing local needs.

9.	Teachers visit each other’s classes regularly and receive one afternoon a week of professional development.

Some argue that it’s unfair to compare Finland with the United States because the U.S. is larger and more culturally complex than Finnish society. While this is true, it’s also true that unlike reform in Finland, school reform in America has been based more on political expediency and fad than on sound teaching methods and the welfare of children. Also in contrast to Finland, America has always chosen the quick fix rather than accepting the challenge of overcoming turf battles and power struggles in order to ensure quality education for all children. Moreover, school funding in America favors the rich.

For more on this topic visit these sites:

The four guiding principles for educational reform in Finland are described in great detail in Policy Development and Reform Principles of Basic and Secondary Education in Finland since 1968 by Aho, Pitkänen, and Sahlberg, (2006). View the Article....
Learn more details about Finland’s academic standing in the world. Visit this website...
For a comprehensive study of the Finnish education system and much more, explore the website of Pasi Salhberg, school improvement activist in Finland. Visit the website...

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