Introduction. Becoming independent: renewal of education in Estonia with parallels in Latvia and Lithuania
ENAbstract. The article describes the early period (1987–1997) of education renewal in Estonia and other Baltic countries by analysing the timeline of emancipation and influences of participative democracy. The subject of study covers the main activities and ideas, conceptions of (re)creation of a national school, and education in Estonia with some parallels and interactions with Lithuania and Latvia. The problem addressed in the study is the character of educational changes and the nature of the contradictions in these changes. The research method is reflective qualitative documentary research, including publications, oral and written memories, and context and comparative analysis. Conclusions indicate that general use of terms quickly emerged in a paradigm of changing metaphors and keywords: democratisation of education, school autonomy, national education (upbringing), humanisation, pluralism, etc. Wide grassroots participation was rejected by the parallel regime of knowledge/power that had strong influence during this time. Cooperation among Baltic countries influenced the conceptual aspects of national education/school and supported developments during the initial period of renewal and later. Keywords: history of education, renewal of education, Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, paradigm change.
