Hello you all, and regards from Finland!
I noticed this Forum by coincidence, but I hope I can clear some points made about the Schools in Finland. Before that I would like to say that I went to a US high school for a year (like many my friend here), so I have some (not in Elementary School) comparison.
I have three kids, age 10, 5 and 3. Only the oldest is in the school, younger ones are in daycare.
Okey,let's roll
"Finland does not give their kids standardized tests.
Individual schools have curriculum autonomy; individual teachers have classroom autonomy."
There are exams, but they are within one class (20-30 kids) only. So they are not meant to compare classes or even less schools with one another. Yes, schools have autonomy. And teachers. There are certain rules what to teach (European history in 4th grade, algebra 5th grade or so on. I made those examples up, but you get the point
)
"It is not mandatory to give students grades until they are in the 8th grade.
All teachers are required to have a master's degree."
They give grades usually from the 3rd grade on. But again, you can't really compare those nation wide, more within one class. And yes, teachers have masters degree (also in the subject they teach), and they are respected.
"Finland does not have a culture of negative accountability for their teachers. According to Partanen, "bad" teachers receive more professional development; they are not threatened with being fired."
It strikes me how negative the media is in the US towards teachers. You don't get fired here until you really make a mess.
"Finland has a culture of collaboration between schools, not competition. Most schools, according to Partanen, perform at the same level, so there is no status in attending a particular facility. "
Yes, probably. Schools don't really compete. Mayby a bit in High School level, but not really even there
"Finland has no private schools.
Education emphasis is "equal opportunity to all."They value equality over excellence."
There are some schools that are independent (have their own curriculum), but no private schools.
"A much higher percentage of Finland's educational budget goes directly into the classroom than it does in the US, as administrators make approximately the same salary as teachers. This also makes Finland's education more affordable than it is in the US."
Education is basically free here, including lunch (of course - you have to feed your children well!)
"Finnish culture values childhood independence; one example: children mostly get themselves to school on their own, by walking or bicycling, etc. Helicopter parenting isn't really in their vocabulary. "
Yes, probably. My 10 year old is quite independent. But it is also safer here, at least mostly.
"Finnish schools don't assign homework, because it is assumed that mastery is attained in the classroom.
Finnish schools have sports, but no sports teams. Competition is not valued. "
We have homework! Mayby to that much (my daughter has about 30 minutes daily). ?
No school teams, but kids play during the break. There are lot's of breaks.
But there are teams for kids to do sports outside school, and they compete. Not maybe as much as in the US, but they do count goals
"The focus is on the individual child. If a child is falling behind, the highly trained teaching staff recognizes this need and immediately creates a plan to address the child's individual needs. Likewise, if a child is soaring ahead and bored, the staff is trained and prepared to appropriately address this as well"
Yes, they do try at least. And also succeed mostly.
Finally: I think the elementary school in Finland is excellent, high schools also pretty good. But University level is very good in the US (Finland also, but not many real top universities, some study abroad also).
What I like the most in Finnish elementary schools: Trust the school and teachers, give them independence.
Lot's of breaks and good food (the food in my US high school was a crime against the mankind - although I liked my school there otherwise
)
Equality: All kids know that they can make it to a university rather easily. Or at least have good chance to do it.
Culture that supports learning - better media, less "hustle" all the time with everything, less pressure.
Now, I loved my time in the US, and still enjoy many thing American! I by no means want to "lecture", many things are not that good in Finland. But yes, the daycare-elementary school is MOSTLY good.
All the best; Jaakko from Helsinki, Finland
Sorry about the mistakes with grammar, etc.