What can we learn from Finland?

There is a lot of discussion these days about how to improve our education system -- the conversation is definitely happening here locally, it's going on at the state level, and it's a national concern as well.  I found this recent piece in The Atlantic very interesting because it highlights a different path that has led to educational success in Finland: a focus on giving "every child . . .exactly the same opportunity to learn, regardless of family background, income, or geographic location."   Almost a decade ago, information collected through COMPASS from community residents, the Census, and state/local data sources indicated that education and income disparities were the top issues in the Greater New Haven region.  This disparity affects all of us, even those who see themselves as part of the "better off" group, because as a region, state, and country, our economic competitiveness and success depend on having a well-educated population -- and, as stated in the article, "Finland's experience suggests that to win at that game, a country has to prepare not just some of its population well, but all of its population well, for the new economy. To possess some of the best schools in the world might still not be good enough if there are children being left behind." (emphasis added)  Do we as a community believe this?  What would it take to give all children exactly the same opportunity to learn?