Finland schools - tops in the world. Why?
They train teachers well, accept and hire only the best, then cut them loose to do their job- TEACH!
They TRUST that this will happen. And it does with bountiful rewards for the students and the country.
What is trust?
Trust - reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety of a person
Teacher trust - reliance on the wisdom, knowledge and judgement of teachers to make informed and intelligent decisions about classroom practices, and student learning outcomes
What Trust looks like in Finland schools- teachers working with parents, and support professionals to elevate student learning in a relaxed, mutually respectful environment
What factors erode teacher trust in American schools?
Top down management of teaching practices
Constant emphasis on test scores rather than authentic evidence of student learning
Uninformed, uninspired leadership
Rapid changes implemented without consensus
Constant reinventing of the wheel
Frantic high stakes testing
The trend toward punitive or absurd teacher accountability
What factors would improve trust?
Teacher leaders and collaborative teams working to address impediments to student learning
Greater teacher role in decision making
Support for students with learning/behavior issues
Cooperation of parents
Celebrate victories, encourage and reward excellence
Respect and support teacher judgement
Offer opportunities for professiona growth
Simple yet eloquent. Educational achievement squarely in the hands of trusted professionals.
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