Finland, Singapore, and Canada

While most countries claim to make educating their students a priority, there are a few that out shine the others: Finland, Singapore, Alberta, Ontario… What is it about these countries that has propelled them to having one of the top education systems in the world? Finland claims that the key to success is hiring high quality teachers. Singapore states that the financial priorities in making sure teachers and students have the best resources contributed to their success. It is in the innovative teaching strategies where Canada has found its success. The readings for this week take you deep into the working of these education systems and what American educators can learn from them.

In four to five paragraphs, choose one of the following options for your initial discussion board post:

Option One:

• Consider the ways in which Singapore used education to leap from the third world to the first. Which of these measures might be adapted and used by districts or states in the United States?

Option Two:

• Think about how Ontario, Canada created collaborations between government and unions to sustain reforms over time. Now consider current reform measures in your own district. Would they survive a turnover in leadership? What do you see as the keys to maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement?

Option Three:

• How did Finland make teaching such an attractive profession? How does the status of a teacher in Finland differ from the status of a teacher in the United States? What effects do you feel the perceived status of a teacher have on education?

Support your statements with evidence from the Required Studies and your research. Use APA for all citations and references.

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