School Curricula
In Finland formal education can be organised by the state, municipalities and registered communities or foundations. The National Board of Education issues national framework curricula to be heeded by all organisers of formal education. On the basis of these framework curricula each school writes its own curriculum reflecting school-specific and regional emphases.
Special Education
By law, a student can be transferred to special education for physical, psychological, social or other significant personal reasons. Relevant authorities always make the decision of the transfer. Students with special educational needs (SEN) can study in separate small groups for special education or as integrated in mainstream groups. For each SEN student a personal study plan concerning instructional arrangements is prepared in collaboration with the school, the student and the parents (guardians).
In such plans the educational goals are always based on those of the mainstream curriculum. When the student is unable to achieve the mainstream educational goals in some respects, these goals will be adjusted for him/her on an individual basis. Personal study plans are sensitive to the student's learning capacity, social situation and rehabilitation scheme, as well as to instructional and educational objectives. The plan is reviewed on a regular basis and it can be collaboratively revised whenever necessary.
SEN Students' Post-Compulsory Education
After finishing the comprehensive school, SEN students can move on to the secondary level; that is, to senior secondary schools, to vocational institutes, to special vocational schools, or to apprenticeship training. In senior secondary schools SEN students are usually integrated with mainstream groups. In vocational institutes learning can take place either in a special group or as integrated in a mainstream group. Apprenticeship contracts are made with enterprises in accordance with the student's personal goals.
Transition From The Comprehensive School to Secondary Level Education
- At the ninth grade of the comprehensive school students have opportunities to familiarise themselves with their future study options and occupational fields. For this purpose, ninth-graders have short introduction periods at workplaces and in vocational institutes, which then give a statement on the visiting students. In these statements, attention is paid to student's activeness, observance of working hours as well as motivation towards the field.
- Students can apply for extra schooling (tenth grade). Individualised study plans are made for the tenth-grade students, specifying how they will review the comprehensive school syllabi, and familiarise themselves with further study options and workplaces.
- Students may apply for preparatory or rehabilitative training.
- In preparatory training (special education group) students acquire various skills or independent life, studies and work.
SEN students' transition from primary education through the lower secondary and upper secondary levels up to the tertiary level can be supported individually in accordance with the student's personal study plans. In the respective transition phases of this chain the successive schools are accountable for necessary mutual co-operation.