Finland Phenominon

If the U.S. wants to improve their school system, Finland would be the one to model after.  They have a system in place that:

1) Creates a relaxed atmosphere for better learning - the students address their teacher by first name;
2) Maintains small class sizes - 20 students per class;
3) Integrates all children together - no special treatments;
4) Kids start school at the age of seven;
5) Students remain with the same teacher for many years - can maintain a more personal level;
6) Learn only 3-4 subjects per day - can get more in depth with each subject (75-minute math class);
7) Test only at the end of class;
8) Teach students how to think; and
9) Promote family time together. 

As a whole, my teaching beliefs are in line with Finland's.  I am intrigued to learn more about Finland and model some of my own teaching after them.