Praxis and ESTDEV: How can the Estonian School Model inspire global education reform?
The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) has commissioned the Praxis Think Tank to analyse the Estonian School Model and the feasibility of implementing it in other countries seeking to reform their education systems.
Estonia has spent nearly thirty years implementing extensive education reforms, which have resulted in high scores on international standardised tests. Other countries have taken note of Estonia’s success story and are looking to adapt the Estonian School Model to their own education systems.
However, according to Kristi Kulu, ESTDEV’s programme manager for Education, Estonia has not yet clearly defined which educational products and services could be deployed in Estonia’s partner countries, the prerequisites for cooperation and which organisations have the capacity to successfully and sustainably implement these types of international education development projects.
The study, "Opportunities for applying the Estonian School Model in development cooperation: the potential of existing educational products and developing a partner network," aims to find answers to these questions and, more broadly, to make recommendations supporting systematic planning and implementation for future education reform projects.
"Estonia's high results in the PISA exams have improved the worldwide visibility and credibility of our education system. This study will help us understand how our experience and knowledge can support education reforms in development cooperation priority countries, not just as an example but through substantive, tailored solutions," said Kulu.
Praxis Project Manager Marleen Allemann emphasised that the think tank's research team has in-depth experience in conducting research in the field of education.
"Based on the results of the study, international cooperation projects in the field of education can be designed more systematically and effectively. Analysing the potential of Estonian educational products and services allows us to better understand the strengths of our education system and opportunities for development cooperation to promote the export and success story of Estonian education at the international level," said Allemann.
The study is based on document analysis, expert interviews, and discussions with various education professionals.
The study will be completed by February 2026. Additional information can be found on the Praxis Think Tank website.
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