Finnish Education Is Tops Because...

We hear so often that the United States is falling behind the rest of the world in education. But who is at the top and how?


We all know about the Asian countries, but I don't really want to focus on them because they teach to the test, like we are trying to do.

In this post, I will look at Finnish education. I have watched this video. It is an Australian interview with the Finnish Director General of Education, Pasi Sahlberg. Just change the accent and the country from Australian to American. It fits. Check out the video. It's about 15 minutes.


Here are my takeaways.
GERM=global education reform movement
The germ has infected the United States.

In Finland...
The teachers are the cream of the top and not the bottom of the barrel
Teachers are well prepared
Teaching is a respected and distinguished profession.
Finnish education is centered around equality and equity.
Trust instead of doubt.
Responsibility instead of accountability.
Cooperation instead of competition.

What did you think he said that was important? What are your takeaways?

Read More on Finnish Education

Here is what they are doing differently. ( What we can learn)

Here is what we are missing and not doing

Here is info on Finnish teacher education

Finally, if you look at the Finnish curriculum, it varies by schools and by needs. It is not naturally dictated by people who will never even meet the learner.