Maybe it isn’t just the teachers in Finland

[Android3.14]

7. It's about poverty, but even more than that...

Massachusetts isn't doing anything significantly different statewide than other states. The median income, however, is fifth in the nation at over $62,000 and the per capita number of college degrees is the highest in the nation at 53%
Income and academic achievement of parents are the most accurate predictors of a student's academic achievement.
The real problem is a profound undervaluing of education resultng in low pay and marginal quality for a great number of teachers, rampant anti-intellectualism; teachers who lack basic skills in fundamental areas such as math, reading and writing; teachers who lack content knowledge; and the celebration of mediocrity/self-esteem over measurable mastery of skills.
Until we address these issues, nothing will change.