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Yes, Finland has been doing great things and shunning exactly what we are doing in the U.S. They have moved away from high-stakes testing, while we increase our focus on testing and make the stakes higher. Finland has put a great deal of focus on allowing teachers to be professionals, giving them time to collaborate, and unlike many in the US who consider unions to be the problem in education, 95% of Finland's teachers are unionized. This allows them to fight for what is best for students and their profession.
Another great resource is Dr. Yong Zhao's book: Catching Up or Leading the Way. http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Leading-Way-Education-Globalization/dp/1416608737
I also recommend that you help promote Opt Out (getting people to opt out of high stakes tests in your area) http://unitedoptout.com/
and sign the National Resolution on High Stakes Testing: http://timeoutfromtesting.org/nationalresolution/
-Susan Barrett
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(These opinions are my own.)
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Charlie Carlson
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2012 6:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: It's all in the Finnish––and I'm not talking about Wine
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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In the June 15th Science Mag, there's a book review of interest to those involved with formal and informal teaching programs. When the world went to defined educational standards and a more regimented curriculum for students with standardized testing, Finland walked the other way and won the race. Numerous books and studies are emerging, and this is one, Finnish Lessons, What Can the World Learn Educational Changes in Finland? got a laudatory write up. Needless to say, Finland isn't the World, but it does present and interesting contrast. And probably not something that many of us needed to be told.
All the best,
C
The opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own and should in no way be construed or attributed to the Exploratorium or related organization, and do not represent an institutional position.
Charles Carlson
Senior Scientist
exploratorium
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
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Tel: 415-561-0319
Fax: 415-561-0370
http://blogs.exploratorium.edu/whyintercept/
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