What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland?

Just before going to an academic conference in California, to which I still have to prepare a talk, I heard a lecture by Pasi Sahlberg, author of "Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland?"

Some notes, paraphrasing things he said which resonated strongly:

• Everyone who thinks Finland has the best schools in the world is abroad. 
• Don't try this at home. Education models travel poorly. Can't be copied as a whole.
• Where do you get your ideas about education? From the USA. 
• Almost all schools in Finland are the same. Anyone can attend school free. 
• Teach less learn more. 
• Test less learn more. 
• School starts late in Finland, age 7, students graduate from high school age 19. 
• Equity drives quality. 
• Too much testing in Massachusetts. Weighing the pig doesn't make it fatter. 
• Children must play. Article 7 declaration rights of children. More recess.
• ADHD probably exists but most are suffering from childhood. 
• Why do you Americans talk so much about your children's education? 
• Good player plays where ball is. Great player, where ball is going to be.