Session Profile: Heljo Pikhof
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-18
Political Position
The political focus is on the sustainability of education, restoring the dignity of teachers, and reducing the deepening socio-economic gap in education. This position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms, particularly in streamlining the school network and improving the career model for teachers. Support for these reforms is cautious, stressing the necessity of thorough analysis and broad societal consensus ("Measure nine times, cut once").
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in education policy, drawing upon PISA results, research conducted by the Foresight Centre, and concrete statistical data concerning the structural imbalance of the school network. The income-based educational achievement gap is examined in particular depth, with examples provided of funding models used in Oslo and Barcelona, alongside the correlation between maternal income and mathematics exam scores.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, concerned, and forward-looking, emphasizing the importance of education for the survival of the state and the nation. Numerous logical arguments and references to studies are employed, while maintaining a formal and serious tone. It appeals both to reason (through data) and to values (by elevating the honor of the teaching profession).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaking engagement is concentrated into a single plenary session, focusing on the theme of education, which includes answering questions and presenting the Foresight Centre's vision for 2040. Previous appearances are mentioned ("I have emphasized this point on several occasions") as well as the discussion of the topic within the commission, which points to continuous activity in this field.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism targets the system's inefficiency (for example, money vanishing "down the drain") and its failure to keep pace with modern times. Specific attention is drawn to "overly assertive parents" who undermine the dignity of the teacher. Direct political opponents or parties are not criticized; rather, the focus remains on broader structural problems.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and consensual, emphasizing the need for public debate and agreement before reforms are implemented. Particularly important is close cooperation between local governments in establishing shared schools and community centers and in sharing teaching staff. The work of the Foresight Centre is acknowledged as a solid foundation for future progress.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, highlighting the significant disparities between rural and urban schools and the disadvantaged position of rural schools. These rural schools account for half of all schools, yet they are attended by only 25% of students. A model of community centers is proposed to support regional development, and the need for place-based teacher training in Ida-Virumaa and Setomaa is also mentioned.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on the more efficient utilization of educational resources, pointing out that the current level of funding (6% of GDP) is being wasted due to disparities within the school network. They advocate for compensating for socio-economic disadvantages through targeted financing (similar to Special Educational Needs, or SEN, funding), as well as enabling community centers to generate revenue (by renting out their facilities) in order to increase teachers' salaries.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social concern is the deepening income-based education gap, where family income directly correlates with academic results. Emphasis is placed on the need for measures that level the playing field, providing additional resources to students from poorer families while avoiding their stigmatization. Furthermore, valuing the teaching profession within society is crucial.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on streamlining the school network and finding a new operational model appropriate for Estonia. This model would encompass establishing community centers and developing frameworks for cooperation across local government units (LGUs). Furthermore, priorities include reviewing the teachers' career model, reducing excessive workload, and securing guaranteed salary increases.
7 Speeches Analyzed