My Finnish Uncle 7-20-11

I was pleasantly surprised when I read chapter 6. I can’t wait to e-mail my uncle, of Finnish descent, to tell him about the educational system in Finland. He will take great pride in the strides in education and accolades the country has received. I will send a few choice sites for him to peruse. I’m sure he will send them on to my many cousins as it will give him an opportunity to brag about the family’s heritage. After all, this large family made a pilgrimage to the homeland a few years ago. I heard about the wonderful boat cruise they took over to the family’s native town and a tree that had been planted many years ago by a mother or grandmother. However, I didn’t hear anything about education in Finland though.

My uncle is a very smart man. I wonder what he will glean from those URL’s that I send him. I think I’ll send him the name of the book we are reading also. I’m sure the shining statistics on the math, science and reading scores on the PISA assessments and the OECD rank will put a smile on his face. Will this global competition score bring back Sputnik memories? Or will he be elated with continued support of science and technology education? You see my uncle has been a “computer man” for most of his life. Facts like 99% of the people complete basic compulsory education and 90% complete upper secondary schools will blow him out of the water. That will obviously mean that his Finnish stock is a smart band: they are too! 80% of his children received a college education!

What do I hope he takes away from the readings? Finland cares a lot about the people and the future of those people. They care enough that they have invested in the children as they give them meals, free health care, transportation, learning materials, counseling and free college. Their education is guided my master teachers and research based curriculum. Historically, Finland has a culture of learning and it shows. I think my uncle will be proud about the Finnish accomplishments. But, I also believe that he will take a moment to reflect on education in America. I’m sure I would see a smile on his face…