Local+Implementation

A key aspect of Finland's curriculum is the trust they place in teachers in local municipalities to implement the general guidelines created by the State (which were also written in close consultation with teachers). Irmeli Halinen, head of the curriculum development unit with the Finnish National Board of Education was asked "**What is your most important piece of advice on curriculum?**" Here is her response (Note: her one minute response lasts until 7:50): media type="custom" key="12689760"
 * Decentralisation of The Basic Core Curriculum **  //Centralised Steering -- Local Implementation//


 * So What does local implementation look like? **
 * Creation of school schedule (days, hours)
 * Hiring of staff and salary decisions [[image:school_outside.jpg width="375" height="245" align="right"]]
 * Administration of before and after school club activities
 * Manage professional development opportunities

**Teachers...**
 * Select their own teaching materials and lesson plans
 * Meet as a team or individually to plan more detailed curriculum and learning outcomes
 * Create a locally based curriculum based on national core curriculum in partnership with the community // "...the pupils' parents and guardians must be able to influence the definition of the curriculum's educational objectives. The pupils may also be involved in the curriculum work." (National Core Curriculum, p.8) //
 * Plan and create assessment strategies
 * share student progress/results with local authority and parents