Kremlin Considers Shortening Education Duration in Russia
The ongoing discussions regarding a potential reduction in the length of study in Russian universities and schools have gained momentum, as highlighted by Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary. The conversation, which is currently at the expert discussion stage, reflects a growing recognition of the need for the educational system to adapt to modern demands. Peskov emphasized that various experts hold differing views on this matter, but he believes that the changing landscape of education necessitates such changes.
Vladimir Medinsky, Chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society, recently proposed that the duration of education in schools and universities could be reduced to facilitate earlier career guidance for teenagers. He argued that the traditional 11-year secondary education is an “unaffordable luxury” and that the educational process should be more compressed to allow students to make career choices at an earlier age. Medinsky's perspective suggests that the classic five to six-year university education might also evolve, emphasizing a need for more specialized and shorter programs.
Experts in the field have weighed in on Medinsky's proposal. Yana Lantratova, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Education, acknowledged the importance of adapting the school curriculum but cautioned against overloading students. She stressed that while reform is necessary, it should not compromise the quality of education. Roman Sultanov, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy at Synergy University, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to balance the rapid release of young professionals into the labor market with the quality of their training.
Conversely, some experts, like Dzhomart Aliyev, first vice-rector of the RSSU, argue that reducing the study period may not be feasible for schools. He suggested that instead of shortening the curriculum, it might be more beneficial to extend it to 12 years to accommodate the intense workload on students. Aliyev's comments reflect a concern for the current educational demands placed on children, indicating that any changes must be approached with caution and thorough consideration.
