Article Response #2

What Americans Keep Ignoring About Finland's School Success

This article describes the big differences between Finland's schools and schools in the U.S today. Lately, there has been stunning success in Finland's education compared to the U.S. It was ranked number one in "The Quality of Life" in Newsweek last year. These students have been achieving some of the highest test scores in the world. 

Some of the main differences at the Finland schools are that there are no standardized tests except for one called the National Matriculation Exam. Instead of the typical standardized testing, the teachers assess the children independently in classrooms which is what becomes their report card. 

Finland schools offer all students free school meals, easy access to health care, psychological counseling and individualized guidance.

Many Americans questioned their idea of teaching. They had questions like, "How can you keep track of students' performance if you don't test them constantly?" I can understand exactly why they are questioning the teaching because Americans are very use to the "norm" which is standardized testing in American education. Although, I find it very interesting and enjoy the idea of teachers assessing the children instead of testing them. 

The author of this article ended it with this;

      "The problem facing education in America isn't the ethnic diversity of the population but the economic inequality of society, and this is precisely the problem that Finnish education reform addressed. More equity at home might just be what America needs to be more competitive abroad."

This statement  is somewhat contradicting because earlier in the article the author believes that, "Real winners do not compete." Yet the author describes America competing abroad with other education systems. 

In my opinion, this article was interesting to read. it had some very strong points and examples supporting the thesis and title given. I think that it also gave me a glimpse into a different culture just based on their education system.