Education Reform

America is faced with a challenge harmful to the future of the nation: education reform. This issue was brought about by the idea that America's public school system is failing. Many have opinions as to why the system is not working, why students are failing, and why we are ranked as the twenty-ninth in our education system (anaphora). However, Finland is the fifth most successful education system in the world (Reporters, 2015). Unlike many countries, Finland emphasizes on equality and well-being. Not only that but they have also eliminated standardized testing and hire teachers that meet the top requirements for the job. The future of America is dependent on the success of the younger generation and education is one of the principal keys
The most well-known component of the act is the requirement of schools to administer standardized tests in order to oversee the progress of both the students and the system (Smialowski, 2007). The relation between standardized testing and school funding puts teachers under pressure to ensure their students perform well. As a result, a majority of the time spent in class is used to cover test material and it limits teachers to specific guidelines for covering all the material. Rather than thinking critically, students become test oriented because of multiple choice tests. However, in Finland, one of the biggest advancements in their education system was the elimination of standardized testing. Finnish educators focus on individuality and creativity and find ways to help students progress in their learning instead of measuring the increase or decrease of a student’s test scores (Sahlberg, 2013). Because of the elimination of standardized testing, teachers are capable of teaching in creative ways that engage the students and peaks their curiosity to explore more. Not only that but teachers give students descriptive feedback rather than numbers; this prevents students from comparing themselves to each other. Transition into higher level education becomes more difficult for American students who are accustomed to multiple choice testing. Most college classes
A teacher can go from an additional parent in elementary school to a life coach in high school. Rather than hiring teachers with the basic requirements needed, school systems should set higher standards to ensure quality education for students. and equal education. A valuable teacher is one who impacts all types of students and is flexible with his or her teaching methods. The curriculum taught in schools should be the same throughout the nation to ensure equal opportunity for students. It should also teach students to be more collaborative than competitive and should eliminate standardized testing. By alleviating tests, teachers and students are relieved from the pressure to obtain the highest scores amongst faculty and peers. It allows more room for students to be collaborative and gives teachers the time needed to teach in ways that are more effective for students. Although Finland and America are two different countries with different cultures, traditions, and agendas, adopting a few of the Finnish education policies will benefit the future generations of America and it will allow them to be successful in the