Linda Darling-Hammond: “Teaching is rocket science.”

In just 30 years, Finland transformed its school system from one that was mediocre and inequitable, to one that consistently produces some of the world’s best students, while virtually eliminating an achievement gap. And they do it without standardized testing…

Dan Rather Reports airs Tuesdays at 8pm ET.

In just 30 years, Finland transformed its school system from one that was mediocre and inequitable, to one that consistently produces some of the world’s best students, while virtually eliminating an achievement gap. And they do it without standardized testing.

This interview with Linda-Darling Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education at Stanford University, is excerpted from Dan Rather Reports’ show on Finland’s education system, Finnish First.

Part One looks inside Finnish schools to examine the practices behind the so-called “Finnish miracle.” Part Two asks, What can the United States learn from Finland’s success?

More information about Linda Darling-Hammond is available at http://edpolicy.stanford.edu. The full episodes of Finnish First are available for download from iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/finnish-first/id485436827?i=496109252#.