ABSTRACT
This book explores how Estonia, despite high levels of poverty, has transformed its education system to become Europe’s top performer on PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment).
The engaging narrative uncovers reforms, mistakes and lessons learnt that have been harnessed to create a high-performing, high-equity education system, which includes social and education policies fostering equity, inclusion, learner autonomy, as well as schoolteacher and principal professionalism, autonomy, and responsibility. It unearths how easy access to a wide range of data such as perceptions of well-being, autonomy, and connectedness, in addition to examination results, builds internal and external accountability, and contributes to collective stakeholder efficacy.
Grounded in research from Estonia and beyond, this is an ideal read for educators, administrators, academics, university students, change agents and parents interested in school system improvement. As equity, equality and inclusion are core drivers of the Estonian education system, this book would also be of interest to those working in social justice, inclusion, and diversity.
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1
History: Challenges and gifts from the past
Chapter 2
Education System Overview: What makes it work
Chapter 3
Equity and high-performance: Raising the bar and closing the gap
Chapter 4
Curriculum: Aligning implementation with intentions
Chapter 5
Teachers: Professional autonomy and high standards
Chapter 6
Evaluation: Prioritising a formative approach for all
Chapter 7
Summary and Conclusions: Resilience, dissatisfaction and imagination
Afterword
References
