Bill and the Regional School listserv: Below a copy of the email/blog comment I left for our Education secretary today. I imagine that this is as a feather brushing against a Boeing, but we all know what Margaret Mead says about that. I would appreciate ANY help, no matter how small you think it might be, in the herculean task of getting this Finnish document from my little classroom onto Mr. Duncan's desk. I do not want to assume that he knows it or what it contains. Sincerely, Dina ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mr. Duncan: I am a public middle school educator of 11 years in New York State, dually certified in language arts and English as a Second Language. Recently I came across documentation of Finland?s 2003 upper secondary national curriculum standards. Since your time is understandably limited, I would refer you to five pages solely (23-27): the cross-curricular themes. I?ve provided the link and a sample from them below. I would urge you to consider whether these, or related standards, are adequately represented or articulated on a national level in America. It is my personal impression that the holistic vision this document provides? a common, nuanced understanding of the ?why?? of education? is missing in our country. The current movement to create national standards is one which gives me hope that such a vision may be established and nourished. Any national content-specific standards can only be strengthened by that vision. Indeed, I would argue along with countless educational researchers that without such a guiding vision? one that moves beyond mere functionalism or economic utility? content-specific standards are rendered impotent, lacking genuine commitment from both educators and students. Sincerely, Dina Strasser [ http://www.oph.fi/english/page.asp?path=447,27598,37840,72101,72105 ]http://www.oph.fi/english/page.asp?path=447,27598,37840,72101,72105 The need and desire of students for life-long learning must be reinforced. Cooperation, interaction and communication skills must be developed by means of different forms of collaborative learning. Upper secondary schools must develop students? abilities to recognize and deal with ethical issues involving communities and individuals. Education must help students recognize their personal uniqueness. Education must stimulate students to engage in artistic activities, to participate in artistic and cultural life, and to adopt lifestyles that promote health and well-being. Students will be capable of facing the challenges presented by the changing world in a flexible manner, be familiar with means of influence, and possess the will and courage to take action. An upper secondary school community must create prerequisites for experiencing inclusion, reciprocal support and justice. These are important sources of joy in life. Human beings must learn how to adapt to the conditions of nature and the limits set by global sustainability. Upper secondary schools must reinforce students? positive cultural identity and knowledge of cultures. Students will observe and critically analyze the relationship between the world as described by media, and reality.