Researchers warn national tests could harm pupils as Eduskunta debates plan
A group of researchers warned that proposed nationwide tests for Finland’s basic schools would likely do more harm than good, citing weak international evidence of benefits and risks of increased pressure and narrowed teaching.
At a late-October press briefing, a group of researchers said proposed nationwide tests for Finland's basic schools would do more harm than good, as Parliament prepares to debate an Audit Committee proposal.
They point to international evidence that national tests have, at best, a weak or inconsistent link to improved learning outcomes. Such tests can raise student pressure and push teaching toward narrowly tested content. University of Tampere education policy professor Jaakko Kauko said weaker-performing schools have not benefited from similar schemes elsewhere and that the tests would not advance equality.
Supporters, including some education economists, argue national tests would provide comparable data to track reforms and regional differences, and the Audit Committee cites Denmark as a model. Danish researcher Christian Ydesen noted Denmark has not seen rising PISA results after introducing national tests, which have existed in several versions since 2010 and now amount to about ten tests per pupil.
The researchers propose alternatives: representative sample studies, a research-based education panel and improved in-service teacher training. They also note the Danish launch cost was just under €15 million in 2005–2010.
Eduskunta is scheduled to consider the Audit Committee report on Thursday. The debate follows disappointing PISA results last month that showed drops in reading and maths and comes as Tampere and other cities recently urged tighter national rules on school attendance earlier this month.
Earlier coverage
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