$70 million lost, leading to:
- closure of 20 elementary schools
- class sizes of 40 students
- the end of all athletic and fine arts programs
It doesn't hurt that Finland's teachers study education at government expense, receive strong professional support throughout their careers, and count on ample time for collaboration with colleagues. This ongoing support creates what Laukkanen calls high "working morale" in schools.
Laukkanen also cited other reasons for Finland's success: Ambitious national content standards guide teachers' work without stifling their professional judgment or creativity. Aggressive, early and frequent interventions keep struggling students from falling behind. And schools coordinate with social service providers to prevent disadvantaged students from slipping through the cracks.You can read the rest, from "Public School Insights," here.
The No Child Left Behind Act has been the subject of intense debate in school board meetings, state legislatures, and Washington policy circles.
Everywhere, it seems, but the presidential campaign—the winner of which may have the most important voice in reshaping the federal role in K-12 education.