Finland author says US must change in 3 ways to understand Finland's schools.

[madfloridian]

This is a powerful article at the Washington Post's Answer Sheet today.

It is written by Pasi Sahlberg, author of “ Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn About Educational Change in Finland? ” He says America needs fundamental change in several things to do what Finland does in education.

What the U.S. can’t learn from Finland about ed reform

To compare itself with Finland these things need change.

Funding of schools: Finnish schools are funded based on a formula guaranteeing equal allocation of resources to each school regardless of location or wealth of its community.

Well-being of children: All children in Finland have, by law, access to childcare, comprehensive health care, and pre-school in their own communities. Every school must have a welfare team to advance child happiness in school.

Education as a human right: All education from preschool to university is free of charge for anybody living in Finland. This makes higher education affordable and accessible for all.

As long as these conditions don’t exist, the Finnish equality-based model bears little relevance in the United States.

And we are seeing a steamroller pushing our country in just the opposite direction toward private companies controlling our education system.

The saddest part is that both major parties are completely on board with it.