Fewer learning goals would help improve results, according to a new report.
A working group at the Ministry of Education and Culture is proposing to streamline basic education to improve learning outcomes.
The group released a report on Wednesday calling for a simplified curriculum with a stronger focus on core skills such as reading, writing and numeracy.
It pointed to a 20-year decline in learning results, arguing that this requires more funding for basic education.
Clear goals
The working group also said it wants to clarify subject goals, including setting out minimum learning standards by grade level.
The Finnish language and literature criteria, for example, are too broad and demanding, according to the report.
“Pupils at all levels are performing worse in school, both in reading and in math, in Pisa studies and other assessments. The weakest performers have declined the most, but everyone’s skills have dropped across the board,” said Eeva-Riitta Pirhonen, director general at the education ministry.
Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz (SPP) has previously said that even a single failing grade could be enough to repeat a year in the future.
According to the report, teachers find the curriculum open to interpretation and, in some respects, burdensome.
Funding for basic education in Finland is around the OECD average, but lags behind the other Nordic countries.
Most of the working group’s proposals are intended to be implemented during the next government term, though some measures have already been set in motion.
