More on Finnish Education

The schools in Finland are managed by the teachers and staff. The local municipal authority (somewhat the equivalent to our local school boards) in any given region appoints principals for six - or seven - year terms. Apart from this appointment, the authority largely leaves the running of the school to the principal and his or her teachers. For the most part, this runs counter to policy in lots of U. S. school districts.

It is clear that those educators who work inside their respective buildings are left alone to do what they do best. These are the professionals and they are treated, allowed and trusted to carry out their responsibilities.

Want more? There are no "gifted" programs, no charter or selective schools. Why, you ask? It is because the Finns truly believe in 'equality.' Education is compulsory for just nine grades. Class sizes are small, seldom exceeding twnety pupils. Most children learn two languages beyond their native tongue.

I believe American educators, even the naysayers, would be wise to further investigate the Finnish model. I'm not for one minute suggesting we copy what the Finns are doing with education but we'd be doing ourselves a huge favor by closely examining their schooling system.

Dick