Yesterday I remarked that the Finnish system of education eschews merit pay, vouchers, charter schools and a heavy dose of standardized testing. Okay, if the Finns don't embrace these then just what do they promote or do that allows their teachers and students to be so successful?
Pasi Sahlberg, the book's author, notes that four elements are critical to the success of education in Finland. First, there is a real emphasis on "improving the teaching force." Sahlberg goes on to state that Finland places a high priority on "emphasizing trust and responsibility before accountability." Finally, "school and district-level leadership is entrusted to educational professionals" in addition to "limiting testing."
I believe many in our educational community here in the U.S. would be wise to heed such advice. Perhaps positive change will occur by looking carefully at the Finnish model. After all, much of Finland's success, according to Sahlberg can be traced by to Finnish educators studing our very own Thomas Dewey!!
Dick
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