Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

A Decade of Research on School Principals pp 61–75Cite as

Finland: Finnish Principal

  • Chapter

Part of the book series: Studies in Educational Leadership ((SIEL,volume 21))

Abstract

The presentation of principalship in Finland begins by giving an overall description of the Finnish education system and of the formal position of principals in Finland. The more detailed examination of the Finnish principal comprises two main sources. Both sources are reviews on research on principals in Finland in 2000–2010. The first one was conducted for the Swedish Research Council by Risku and Kanervio (Doctoral and regular research on principals in Finland 2000–2010. In: Johansson O (ed) Rektor – en forskningsöversikt 2000–2010 [Principal – a research report]. Vetenskapsrådets rapportserie 4:161–186, 2011). The second one is a report by Alava et al. (Changing school management. Status review – May 2012. Publications 2012:13. Finnish National Board of Education, Helsinki, 2012) for the Finnish National Board of Education.

The results describe the Finnish principals’ changing operational environments, reformed school organisations, roles, work and leadership. The whole Finnish society is presently facing major demographic and economic challenges. In addition, as a result of the challenges, also the societal values are changing. There seems to be a general agreement in Finland that the role of the principal has changed radically during the last 30 years. The principal is no longer a head teacher implementing orders and reporting actions in the system-based, centralised and state-led administration. They are general managers of autonomous profit units which no longer merely provide instruction but are inclusive service centres.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aho, E., Pitkänen, K., & Sahlberg, P. (2006). Policy development and reform principles of basic and secondary education in Finland since 1968. Washington, DC: World Bank. Basic Education Act (628/1998).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahonen, H. (2008). Rehtoreiden kertoma johtajuus ja johtajaidentiteetti [Leadership and leadership identity as told by principals]. Jyväskylän yliopisto: Jyväskylä Studies in Education, Psychology and Social Research 352.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alava, J., Halttunen, L., & Risku, M. (2012). Changing school management. Status review – May 2012. Publications 2012:13. Helsinki: Finnish National Board of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asetus opetustoimen henkilöstön kelpoisuusvaatimuksista (1998/986). [Decree on Qualifications for Personnel in the Provision of Education].

    Google Scholar 

  • Basic Education Act (628/1998).

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg, G. (1996). Skolkultur i ett elevperspektiv [School culture from student’s perspective]. In B. Sålhammar (Ed.), Begripa ledningen [Understanding leadership] (pp. 9–31). Göteborg: Fölagshuset Gothia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hannus, S., Kauko, J., Kynkäänniemi, H., Pitkänen, H., Simola, M. Varjo, J., & Väätäinen, E. (2010). A dream well planned: Discursive space and social positions in Finnish comprehensive education quality assurance. In J. Kauko, R. Rinne, & H. Kynkäänniemi (Eds.), Restructuring the truth of schooling – Essays on discursive practices in the sociology and politics of education (Research in educational Sciences 48, pp. 246–273). Helsinki: Finnish Education Research Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hargreaves, A., & Shirley, L. (2009). The fourth way. Thousand Oaks: Corwin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hargreaves, A., Halász, G., & Pont, B. (2008). The Finnish approach to system leadership. In B. Pont, D. Nusche, & D. Hopkins (Eds.), Improving school leadership. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Honkanen, M. (2012). Rehtorit ja oppilaitosjohtaminen [Principals and school leadership]. Publications 2012:8. Helsinki: Finnish National Board of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johansson, O. (2011). (Ed.). Rektor – en forskningsöversikt 2000–2010 [Principal – A Research Report]. Vetenskapsrådets rapportserie 4:2011, pp. 161–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, P. (2005). Suomalaisen rehtorin työtodellisuus rehtorikyselyn valossa [The work reality of Finnish principals in the light of principal survey]. Suomen Rehtorit ry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kanervio, P., & Risku, M. (2009). Tutkimus kuntien yleissivistävän koulutuksen opetustoimen johtamisen tilasta ja muutoksista Suomessa [A study on educational leadership in general education in Finnish municipalities]. Helsinki: Ministry of Education 2009: 16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karikoski, A. (2009). Aika hyvä rehtoriksi. Selviääkö koulun johtamisesta hengissä? [Quite good for a principal. Does one survive alive as a principal?]. Helsinki: University of Helsinki.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumpulainen, T. (2011). (Ed.). Opettajat Suomessa [Teachers in Finland]. In Koulutuksen seurantaraportit [Follow-up reports of education] 2011:6. Helsinki: National Board of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuntalaki (1995/365). [Municipal Act].

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuusela, J. (2008). Koulukohtaisten keskiarvojen tulkinnoista [On the evaluation of school-specific means]. Memorandum. Helsinki: National Board of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laitila, T. (1999). SIIRTOJA KOULUTUKSEN OHJAUSKENTÄLLÄ Suomen yleissivistävänkoulutuksen ohjaus 1980- ja 1990-luvuilla [SHIFTS IN THE CONTROL DOMAIN. Control of Finnish education system in the 1980s and 1990s]. Turku University publications C146. Turku: University of Turku.

    Google Scholar 

  • Local Government Act (365/1995).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lukiolaki (629/1998). [General Upper Secondary Education Act].

    Google Scholar 

  • Mäkelä, A. (2007). Mitä rehtorit todella tekevät. Etnografinen tapaustutkimus johtamisesta ja rehtorin tehtävistä peruskoulussa [What principals really do. An ethnographic case study on leadership and principal’s tasks in comprehensive education school]. Jyväskylä: Jyväskylä University studies in education, psychology and social research 316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, M. O., Mullis, I. V. S., Foy, P., & Stanco, G. M. (2012). Timss 2011 international results in science. Chestnut Hill: TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minister of Education and Culture. (2013). Retrieved on April 20, 2013, from http://www.minedu.fi/OPM/Koulutus/koulutuspolitiikka/koulutuksen_arviointi/?lang=en

  • Mullis, I. V. S., Martin, M. O., Foy, P., & Arora, A. (2012a). Timss 2011 international results in mathematics. Chestnut Hill: TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mullis, I. V. S., Martin, M. O., Foy, P., & Drucker, K. T. (2012b). PIRLs 2011 international results in reading. Chestnut Hill: TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mustonen, K. (2003). Mihin rehtoria tarvitaan? Rehtorin tehtävät ja niiden toteuttaminen Pohjois-Savon yleissivistävissä kouluissa [Why do we need the principal? Principal’s tasks and conducting them in the Schools of General Education in Northern Savo]. University of Oulu: Acta Universitatis Ouluensis E 63.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Board of Education. (2013a). Education. Retrieved April 25, 2013, from http://www.oph.fi/english/education

  • National Board of Education. (2013b). Rehtorien työnkuvan ja koulutuksen määrittämistä sekä kelpoisuusvaatimusten uudistamista valmistelevan työryhmän raportti [Report by the Working Group Reforming Principals’ Job Description, Education and Qualification]. Reports and Accounts 2013:16. Helsinki: National Board of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Niemelä, M. (2008). Julkisen sektorin reformin pitkä kaari Valtava-uudistuksesta Paras-hankkeeseen [The long reform of public sector from Valtava-reform to PARAS-project]. Helsinki: Kela, Sosiaali- ja terveysturvan tutkimuksia 102, 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2001). Knowledge and skills for life – First results from the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2000. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2003). First results from PISA 2003 executive summary. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2004). Messages from PISA 2000. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2006). PISA 2006: Science competencies for tomorrow’s world executive summary. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2010a). PISA 2009 results: What students know and can do, student performance in reading, mathematics and science, volume II. Retrieved on April 5, 2011, from http://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisaproducts/48852548.pdf

  • OECD. (2010b). PISA 2009 results: Overcoming social background, equity in learning opportunities and outcomes, volume II. Retrieved on April 5, 2011, from http://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisaproducts/48852584.pdf

  • OECD. (2013). PISA 2012 results in focus what 15-year-olds know and what they can do with they know. Retrieved on May 25, 2014, from http://www.oecd.org/pisa/keyfindings/pisa-2012-results-overview.pdf

  • Pesonen, J. (2009). Peruskoulun johtaminen – aikansa ilmiö [Leading basic education school – A phenomenon of its time]. Joensuu: University of Joensuu Publications in Education no 132.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pihlajanniemi, T. (2006). Kuntarakenne muutoksessa [Municipal structure in change]. Helsinki: Foundation for Municipal Development Publications no. 53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pulkkinen, S. (2011). Valmentajataustan merkitys rehtorin työssä [Significance of coaching background in principal’s work]. Jyväskylä: Jyväskylä University studies in education, psychology and social research 407.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raasumaa, V. (2010). Perusopetuksen rehtori opettajien osaamisen johtajana [Comprehensive education school principal leading teachers’ knowledge management]. Jyväskylä: Jyväskylä University Studies in Education, Psychology and Social Research 383.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rinne, R., Kivirauma, J., & Simola, H. (2002). Shoots of revisionist education policy or just slow readjustment? The Finnish case of educational reconstruction. Journal of Education Policy, 17(6), 643–658.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Risku, M. (2011). Superintendency in the historical development of education in Finland. In J. Beckmann (Ed.), Effective schools in effective systems: Proceedings of the 6th annual ISER conference South Africa 2010 (pp. 182–210). Pretoria: Department of Education Management, University of Pretoria with the International Symposium of Educational Reform (ISER).

    Google Scholar 

  • Risku, M., & Kanervio, P. (2011). Doctoral and regular research on principals in Finland 2000–2010. In O. Johansson (Ed.), Rektor – en forskningsöversikt 2000–2010 [Principal – A Research Report] (pp. 161–186). Vetenskapsrådets rapportserie 4:2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Risku, M., Kanervio, P., & Pulkkinen, S. (2015). Tutkimus kuntien yleissivistävän koulutuksen koulujen johtamisen tilasta ja muutoksista Suomessa [A study on educational leadership in general education in Finnish schools]. Helsinki: Ministry of Education and Culture. (forthcoming).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryynänen, A. (2004). Kuntien ja alueiden itsehallinto – kehittämisvaihtoehdot [Autonomy of municipalities and areas – Options for development]. Edita Publishing. Helsinki.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sahlberg, P. (2011). Finnish lessons what can the world learn from educational change in Finland? New York: Teachers College, Columbia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Souri, L. (2009). Rehtorin oikeudellinen asema – selvitys 2009 [Principal’s juridical position – Report 2009]. Helsinki: Suomen Rehtorit ry – Finlands rektotorer rf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stålhammar, B. (1996). Rektors tidsanvändning. En essä om verklighet och möjlighet [Principal’s use of time. An essay on reality and possibility]. In B. Stålhammar (Ed.), Begripa ledningen [Understanding leadership] (pp. 77–107). Göteborg: Gothia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Statistics Finland. (2013). Retrieved on July 12, 2013, from https://www.tilastokeskus.fi/til/pop/2012/pop_2012_2012-11-15_tie_001_fi.html

  • Taipale, M. (2004). Työnjohtajasta tiimivalmentajaksi. Tapaustutkimus esimiehistä tiimien ohjaajina ja pedagogisina johtajina prosessiorganisaatiossa [From supervisor to team coach. Case study in leaders as team tutors and pedagogical leaders in a process organization]. Tampere: Acta Universitatis Tamperensis 1033.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taipale, A. (2005). Rehtorit muutoksen kourissa [Principals in the grip of change]. In K. Hämäläinen, A. Lindström, & J. Puhakka (Eds.), Yhtenäisen peruskoulun menestystarina [Success story of unified comprehensive school]. Helsinki: University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taipale, A. (2012). International survey on educational leadership. A survey on school leader’s work and continuing education. Publications 2012:12. Helsinki: National Board of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valtari, A., & Lähdetniemi (Eds.). (2012). Opetushallitus. Opetustoimen, koulujen ja oppilaitosten johtamistyön haasteet [National Board of Education. Challenges of Leadership in Provisions of Education, and Schools]. Helsinki: Fountain Park.

    Google Scholar 

  • Varjo, J. (2007). Kilpailukykyvaltion koululainsäädännön rakentuminen. Suomen eduskunta ja 1990-luvun koulutuspoliittinen käänne [Drafting education legislation for the competitive state. The Parliament of Finland and the 1990s change in education policy]. University of Helsinki: Department of Education Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vuohijoki, T. (2006). Pitää vain selviytyä. Tutkimus rehtorin työstä ja työssä jaksamisesta sukupuolen ja virka-aseman suhteen tarkasteltuna [One just has to cope. Study on principals’ work and occupational coping in regard to gender and position]. University of Turku Publications Series C, Scripta lingua Fennica edita part 250. Turku: University of Turku.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Educational Leadership, University of Jyväskylä, 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland

    Mika Risku & Seppo Pulkkinen

Authors
  1. Mika Risku
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Seppo Pulkkinen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Seppo Pulkkinen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Principal Development, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

    Helene Ärlestig

  2. Centre for Research on Educational Leadership and Management, School of Education, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    Christopher Day

  3. Centre for Principal Development, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

    Olof Johansson

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Risku, M., Pulkkinen, S. (2016). Finland: Finnish Principal. In: Ärlestig, H., Day, C., Johansson, O. (eds) A Decade of Research on School Principals. Studies in Educational Leadership, vol 21. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23027-6_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23027-6_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-23026-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-23027-6

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation