The transformation of the Estonian education system from 1992 up to now

The success of the Republic of Estonia in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) was a surprise both nationally and internationally and has led to several important questions. What are the reasons for these results? Which historical developments and recent decisions have allowed a small and not particularly rich country to build an education system that offers cutting-edge knowledge and skills in both the European and global contexts?

The lecture attempts to answer those questions regarding the performance of the Estonian educational system. First, we outline key qualities of the system that may have impacted the high academic results; next, we analyze different parts of the system (goals, curriculum, teachers, governance, equity) providing a more detailed picture of Estonian education. Finally, we discuss what are the current challenges facing the Estonian educational system, mapping the debates about future perspectives and possible changes to teaching and learning practices.