Korsholm Korsholm inhabitants -13 Swedish schools 1- 6 : 1152 pupils -Class 7-9 : 490 pupils -2 Finnish schools -1 gymnasium : 247 students.

Norra Korsholm skola  Swedish speaking school  235 pupils(7-12 years), preschool (6-years = 48 pupils)  Staff: 18 teachers, assistents preschool)  ”No adminstration”, Headmaster also teach!  School day:  1,5 milj. euro. (6400 euro/pupil)  Teachers: 24h/week  Special needs: 48 hours / week  School transport: 70 pupils (30 km one way)  Progressive school  Development and project

Norra Korsholms skola Norra Korsholms skola

Fundamental principles Fundamental principles

In Finland In Finland  Basic right to education and culture is recorded in the Constitution of Finland.  In Finnish and Swedish

Key words  Quality  Efficiency  Equity  Internationalisation

Current priorities  Education is a factor for competitiveness  Raise the level of education  Efficiency of the education system  Prevent exclusion  Enlarge adult learning opportunities  Quality enhancement

Equal opportunities  The system offers everybody equal oppotunities for education, irrespective of domicile, sex, economic situation or linguistic background  The school network is extensive  Basic education is completely free of charge

Comprehensiveness of education  Basic education encompasses nine years  Between 7 and 16 years  Preschool (age 6)  Schools do not select their students  Every student can go to the school of his or her own school district

Competent teachers  Teachers are highly qualified and committed  Master`s degree is a requirement  Teacher education includes teaching practice at special schools.  Teaching profession is very popular  Universities can select the most motivated and talented applicants  Teachers work is independently and enjoy full autonomy in the classroom

Student counselling and special needs  Individual support is well accommodated  National core curriculum containes guidelines for the purpose  Special need education is integrated into regular education as far as possible  Guidance counsellors support upper grade students in their studies and choice of further education

Encouraging assessment and evaluation  The student assessment and evaluation of education and learning outcomes are encouraging and supportive by nature  The aim is to produce information that supports both schools and students to develop  National testing, school ranking lists and inspection systems do not exist

Significance of education in society  Finnish society strongly favours education and the population is highly educated by international standards  Education is appreciated and there is a broad political consensus on education policy

A flexible system based on empowerment  ”Centralised steering – local implementation  Steering is conducted through legislation and norms, core curricula, government planning and information steering.  Municipalities are responsible for the provision of education and the implementation.  Schools and teachers enjoy large autonomy

Co-operation  Education authorities co- operate with teachers´ organisations, pedagogical subject associations and school leadership organisations.  Co-operation between various levels of administration, schools and between other social subject and schools

A student-oriented, active conception of learning  The organisation of schoolwork and education is based on a conseption of learning that focuses on students´activity and interaction with the teacher, other students and the learning environment

Problems -> Challenges -> Opportunities

Reading – a big challenge Reading – a big challenge -High priority in every subject in school -Preschool : An important start -1 class: Individual level. level. -”one letter / week” -Homework 2-3 / week in reading in class 1-3.

 Strong support to children with special needs  ”Reading station” (2-3)  ”Reading race” (4-6)  Desk book – teacher`s book  School library  Book bus ( with teacher)  Reading projects  Positve reading atmosphere in school