Finnish Basic Education Principals' Perceptions of Diversity in Their School Communities

• In Event: International Perspectives on School Leadership

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze 689 Finnish principals’ descriptions of diversity of their school communities. The purpose of the school and education in Finland is to promote social justice and equality in society. Despite the national objectives and Finnish teachers’ professionalism, meeting diversity in school still produces differentiation and hierarchization of student groups rather than equality and fairness. Principals have a key role in developing a school environment that embraces equity, as their own attitudes and beliefs affect the creation of a school’s working climate. Through the analysis of the responses, four main categories were identified: 1) Categorizations of diversity, 2) Attitudes and concerns, 3) Everyday school life, and 4) Visibility of diversity.

Authors

• Anita Hannele Jantunen, University of Helsinki

• Raisa Susanna Ahtiainen, University of Helsinki

• Arto Juha Viljami Kallioniemi, The University of Helsinki

• Tapio Juhani Lahtero, University of Helsinki