In the spirit of Christmas the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association / Te Wehengarua (PPTA) is continuing its commitment to help John Key with his holiday reading and has carefully selected themes he can use to reflect on the past year and the year to come.
We wanted to give John Key our treasured copy of 'Finnish Lessons' by Pasi Sahlberg, but we can’t until the New Year and hope he will meet with us to receive it and discuss how the insights in the book might apply to New Zealand.
Dear Prime Minister - Finland is the top performing education nation in the world
23 December 2011
Dear Prime Minister
It’s the 12th day of Christmas and I’m sorry but I don't have a book for you. The book I would have liked to send you is Finnish Lessons by Pasi Sahlberg.
The reason all New Zealand politicians need to read this book is that it explains why Finland is the top performing education nation in the world. They have systematically climbed to the top over three decades by rejecting the ‘market miracle” that New Zealand has been awaiting for almost the same length of time. Instead, the Finns have focused on enhancing the profession; no miracles, just common sense.
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that, unfortunately, I cannot send you this book as I have only one copy and what with Christmas shopping and all the gifts, cards and letters for you I have not finished reading it myself.
I will be happy to pass it on to you in the new year and I would like to meet with you to discuss how the insights Sahlberg has provided might apply to New Zealand secondary schools. Perhaps you would be interested in jointly funding, with PPTA, a visit by Sahlberg to this country?
Best wishes for the festive season.
Yours sincerely
Robin Duff
PRESIDENT
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