K-12 education system: who is number one?
While every K-12 education system strives to be the very best, a few really go the distance. These programs have so much to offer children and parents have the peace of mind knowing that their children are a definite cut above the rest academically.
The top five K-12 education systems worldwide are as follows:
1. Finland is currently ranked as the number one K-12 education system. Finnish students consistently have the highest scores in math, science, and reading. Finnish schools also have a very low-key model that allows students to learn at a more relaxed pace. There is only a half an hour of homework every night and students don’t attend school full time like other school systems worldwide. The goal is for the student to feel like he or she is “at home”. Students study in lounges with comfortable chairs and fireplaces.
Finnish schools have no tardy bells and students do not get in any trouble if they fall sleep during class. While the academic expectations of each student are extremely high, there isn’t the expected huge amount of schoolwork involved. Teachers also hold Master’s Degrees and only a small percentage of them are actually accepted as teachers. Therefore, the teachers that do get accepted make a daily commitment to do their absolute best. Teaching is a highly sought after profession in Finland and these teachers know just how lucky they are to have achieved their professional dreams. Teachers also do not have to follow a set curriculum, they are given free reign to do whatever it takes for the success of their students. That is practically unheard of anywhere else.
It is easy to understand why Finnish students are a cut above the rest. They have no restrictions placed on them and are allowed to do what they wish. These kids actually want to learn, they know that they can learn in creative and engaging ways. They also know that they will not be subject to endless hours of homework and memorization. The Finnish K-12 Education system does not believe that is the best way for kids to learn. For example, if a child really enjoys reading, he or she might read book after book all day long. Teachers believe that this particular child will not only have outstanding reading and comprehension scores, he or she will also enjoy learning about a wide array of topics.
Finland’s secret to a successful education system.
2. Another K-12 education system to keep an eye on is China’s school system. Chinese students do not spend their days focusing on sports or socializing. Instead, they are completely dedicated to intellectual pursuits. China’s students study rigorously and are even required to complete extra classes and tutoring. In fact, if a child shows particular promise in Math, parents would begin seeking out additional math tutoring.
3. India’s K-12 education system is also on the rise. Most children in India already know what they want to be when they grow up by the time they are in first grade. They have already dedicated themselves to follow that career path. These kids are highly motivated and the interactive learning approach in their classrooms seem to be helping them retain information better than most. Teachers guide their students through the learning process with fun and creative activities rather than hours upon hours of notes and lectures.
4. The K-12 education system in Japan gears students toward university preparation. Kids in Japan know that in order for them to succeed they must have high test scores. Even those kids who choose to go to technical or trade schools still must ace rigorous entrance exams. A lot of parental pressure is a key factor here as well. Japanese kids also have more than one teacher in each class and kids are encouraged to work through their studies without textbooks, calculators, etc. This gives them many different ways to solve problems.
5. The K-12 education system in Singapore is also a school system worth mention. Kids in Singapore begin attending school at the age of three. They attend preschool for three years which includes two years of Kindergarten. While this is not mandatory, more and more parents are enrolling their children at the age of three to ensure that their child has the right scores to get into more advanced programs. The goal for teachers in Singapore is to focus on each child’s individual learning style and ability. This ensures automatic success for the child as he or she will be less likely to fall behind.
What Other Countries Made the List
The 10 Most Educated Countries in the World
Countries With The Best Education System In The World
And the World’s Most Educated Country Is…
Where to Find the Best Education Around the World
School Life in Korea
What is PISA?
PISA stands for Programme for International Student Assessment. Much of PISA’s methodology follows Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS, started in 1995) and is influenced by the U.S. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
