Examples of Support Systems in Finland

Sources: Finland Eurybase report; interviews

Although formally overseen by municipalities, Finnish schools in practice also have a high degree of autonomy. Schools will generally attempt to address any issues internally, but can and do turn to municipalities for various kinds of support, including financial, instructional and managerial support. Municipalities may also determine the need for providing certain services to schools based on their own mandated yearly assessments. The adequacy of municipal support is overseen in two ways: first, through state provincial office assessments of municipal provision of basic services, and, secondly, through national, sample based assessments of student learning, which may reveal regional discrepancies.³ Schools within a single municipality will frequently band together to share resources, and there is also a history of collaboration among municipalities in educational provision.

Republic of Korea

Whether for teachers in the public or private system, qualifications for teachers at different levels as well as principals are determined centrally by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) in consultation with teacher unions. MEST also accredits all teacher training institutions, whether offering pre-service or continuing education to teachers. Teacher salaries are also negotiated centrally with unions, and salary scales apply to the private, as well as the public system. Teachers and principals in public schools are appointed by the Provincial Offices of Education (POEs), often in consultation with a local school board. Teachers and principals in private schools are hired at the discretion of the managing entity.

Sources: KERIS Website; Darling Hammond et. al 2009, interviews