A public seminar from the Department of Education, delivered by Dr Jaakko Kauko, University of Helsinki.
The presentation aims to understand and contrast the dynamics in English and Finnish education policymaking. Dynamics are understood as patterns of interaction between the main policy actors embedded in the sociohistorical contexts in the two countries. Data is drawn from 16 theme interviews with key policymakers in England complemented with a body of official
documents. The Finnish data is based on earlier research projects, their results and policymaker theme interview data used in them.
The English education policymaking on the surface level reflects a rather reactionary dynamics, following earlier theories of policy entrepreneurs seizing opportunities. On a deeper level, policymaking is guided by an institutional structure created over the course of history: centralisation of power to the Department for Education and a shift of balance in consulting from formal or professional organisations to think tanks and political advisors, and the ascendancy of Ofsted as a political actor in education policy. Finnish education policymaking dynamics is restricted by radical municipal autonomy, consensus supporting decision making system, and a bureaucratic tradition all which buffer against rapid changes and result in a continuity of the comprehensive school.
In policy-making, the relations of the English actors are conflictual whereas in Finland they are consensual. In both context there seemed to be a governance gap between the central and local administration. The difference in the processes of centralisation seemed to explain change potential. The main difference in dynamics is the fluidity of the education institutions, particularly school types. In England, the changing political emphasis has changed thebasic organisation of schooling, while in Finland changes took place inside the comprehensive school institution.
