American Educators Tour Finland, Share Impressions - Part 6 by Kimberly Licato and Jackie Ammirato

School Leadership 2.0 Editor's Note:

 SL 2.0 members, Kimberly Licato (Westhampton Beach School District) and Jackie Ammirato (Longwood School District) recently toured Finland to see firsthand the school system that is arguably the best in the world.  They share their impressions in a series of blog posts that continue today.  Thanks Kimberley and Jackie for sharing your trip with us.

Blog #6 Safety in the Finnish Schools Kim Licato and Jacqueline Ammirato

Recently we had the opportunity to visit Finland as part of research for our dissertations.   Our professors at St. John’s University encouraged both of us to experience for ourselves the educational system in Finland.  Dr. Bernato recommended on-site visits and interviews to explore the nuances of the educational system that are subtle, and may only be ascertained through dialogue and observations. With the support of our professors, Drs. Bernato, Annunziato,  and Murphy from St. John’s University,  we embarked on a journey to vet out what makes Finland so successful on PISA exam.  Has Finland found the perfect reading program or have they incorporated tried and true learning strategies that have been directly linked to student success?  We were curious to find what was “it” that one component, that one program that has caused Finland’s educational system to be so revered and renowned throughout the world.

Consistent themes began to emerge from our on-site school visits.  Sustainability, service and a feeling of safety were reoccurring in our conversations with headmasters and teachers.  Each concept, deeply embedded in the school's culture and interwoven seamlessly into curriculum, held an equal degree of importance.   In a previous blog sustainability and service were addressed.  This particular blog will address the concept of safety.

Safety and safe schools are recurring concerns in our society and often at the forefront of the news in our country.  Finland mimics our concerns regarding safety in schools.  Plagued by instances of violence at schools, shootings and incomprehensible destructive behavior we often cannot fathom the why of these incidents.  Unfortunately, Finland is no stranger to violent acts in schools.  In 2008, Finland experienced a school shooting incident resulting in 8 deaths (including the shooter) and 11 others who were wounded.  And, this was not the first incident of school violence in Finland.

Interestingly, Finland also has one of the world’s lowest rate of gun violence.  According to the Finnish government, there are 56 guns per 100 people. The country of Finland is the world’s third highest in gun ownership.  There are more than 1.6 million registered weapons and 650,000 people with firearm permits.   More than half the permits are for hunting, which is usually done with rifles and shotguns. The rest of the permits are for target practice, which can involve handguns.

  Schools in Finland have made adjustments to create a more physically safe environment for their students.  Safety gear in classes were warranted was readily available.  We observed teachers routinely locking doors and being acutely aware of their surroundings.  In each school, protocols were in place for visitors.  Conversely,  there were no security guards, fences or other safety measures that were visible to us.  Discussions with the headmaster in Espoo and with a teacher in a high school touched upon concerns for physical safety and changes over the years in management.  While visiting the high school we observed a fire drill which was unplanned that appeared to be well organized and run and no different from a typical fire drill here in a New York State school.  

During our interviews the word ‘safe’ was used frequently.  Making the children feel safe, creating a safe environment, establishing safe expectations were terms that were stated over and over again throughout our conversations.  We were compelled to probe this idea........ tell us about your thoughts on the use of the word ‘safe’.  Fully prepared to hear about violent incidents and shocking behavior,  we were totally surprised when the conversation veered from violence to comfort and expectations.  We assumed ( incorrectly) that the word ‘safe’ was being used in relation to preventing violence, bullying and other disruptive behaviors.  

In actuality the term ‘safe’ was being used as a concept or belief that appears to be embedded in the culture of Finnish education.  The Headmaster at the lower elementary school in Espoo,  when asked directly, explained that it is essential for obtaining academic success that students feel ‘safe’ in their ability to acquire a skill,  achieve the intended result or favorable outcome in learning.  Students, it was explained, needed to be reassured that they already possessed the skills or tools to complete the task at hand or were well equipped to problem solve for the task.  The mantra was we give the students what they need to to grow academically, to achieve success in each lesson and every task.  This was evident in a primary school in Espoo where the Headmaster continually spoke about the desire for each student to understand their unique learning style and the role of the teachers to assist each student in developing their unique learning style and feeling ‘safe’ in the educational environment.

Once again we were reminded of the mission statement for the elementary school in Espoo when the Headmaster said to us, “As long as we have children, we have hope.”  This sentiment sums up the public’s view of the country’s priority for educating their youth.  Finland believes that the future of their country is based on the success of their children.  Acquiring   innovative,  problem solving skills and an entrepreneurial mentality are embedded in the constructivism approach evident in Finnish education.  This is all achieved by ensuring the safety of students physically, emotionally and educationally.