And Now for Something Completely Different: The Finnish Approach

During the holiday break, two different colleagues e-mailed me a link to an editorial piece in the Boston Globe regarding the most recent PISA (Program for International School Assessment) results. The PISA is a standardized test in reading, mathematics, and science literacy that is administered every 3 years to 15-year old students in 65 nations worldwide by the OEDC (Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation). There has been more national hue and cry since the most recent results (from 2009 testing) were released last November. Below are the results from the NY Times:

As you can see, the US results (23rd in science, 17th in reading, and 32nd in math) aren't quite exactly stellar, and in the case of math, are below the average international score. But something also stands out about these results. Notice that Finland is near the top of the list for each test. Why is this? What can we learn from this Scandinavian nation of 8 million people?

For starters, the educational system is structured slightly differently, as compulsory education is mandated for all children from the ages of 7 to 16, as nearly all public school students spend 6 years in primary school and 3 years in secondary school. Their school day and year is very similar to those in the US (approx. 6 hours, 180 days). It should be noted that 97% of school-age children attend public schools, and Finland has 5th highest high school graduation rate in the world at 91%. Furthermore, 95% of these students go on to post-secondary study, many of whom go on to a state-supported university system. A world-high 30% of Finnish college students major in a science-related field.

The above statistics- enviable by most nations- were not always the case. In fact, a mere 25 years ago Finland lagged behind most nations on most international benchmarks.

So how was the change made? The Finns carefully studied other nations' accountability systems (including our own) and adopted what works. The heart of the Finnish system is not based upon a philosophy of choice and competition that is in vogue today in the US. In contrast, Finnish students never take a standardized test such as the MCAS while in school. There are no rewards or punishments for schools and teachers based upon the results of testing. There are some sample-based tests that are administered to students. Those results are shared with parents, teachers, and researchers to refine the curriculum and improve instruction.

The key is in the cultural mindset. According to a 2008 report from the McKinsey Global Institute the Finns recognize first and foremost: there is nothing more important than teacher quality. Only the best and brightest university students are allowed into the teaching profession, as credential standards require that prospective teachers be at the top of their classes in content knowledge and pedagogical skill.

Finnish teachers are immersed in a professional culture that supports better teaching and learning. There is very little, if any, teaching in isolation. Teachers typically visit each other's classrooms and plan lessons together in a system called "lesson study" that includes "rounds" just like the medical profession. Teachers also get an afternoon off per week for professional development. During these regular and ongoing sessions teachers collaboratively improve the curriculum and refine their assessments. As a result, the professional skills of teachers may grow.

The bottom line is that teaching is a highly respected profession in Finland, much like the medical profession. Finns trust the public schools more than any public institution with the except of the police. As a result, going into the teaching profession is highly desirable to young, talented people.

Couldn't the US take some lessons from Finland?