The question of quality has become one of the most important framing factors in education and has been of growing interest to international organisations and national policymakers for decades. "Politics of Quality in Education" focuses on Brazil, China, and Russia, part of the so-called emerging nations' BRICS block, and draws on a…

This book critiques dominant discourses and debates pertaining to cultural identity, set against the current backdrop of growing social stratification and unequal access to quality education. It addresses current discourses concerning globalisation, ideologies and the state, as well as approaches to constructing national, ethnic and religious…

Different regions of the world are making increasing demands for educational reform, especially when institutions are dissatisfied with the level of proficiency of their graduates. Since the realization of how important English education is to global success, reform to English education is becoming progressively vital in societies all over the…

This publication presents a diverse collection written by a well-respected group of speakers and authors which includes government leaders, policy makers, education experts and administrators from all over the higher education world. The papers collected hereunder represent the conference proceedings of the Eurasian Higher Education Leaders' Forum…

Provides an interesting overview of recent educational initiatives in Tatarstan. Tatarstan is an autonomous republic within the Russian Federation. A multiethnic society recently emerging from four centuries of Russian domination, the Tartars have initiated broad sweeping educational reforms. These include native language instruction, increased…

Presents a laundry list of problems and difficulties facing elementary and secondary education in post-Soviet Russia. These include truancy, delinquency, increased infant mortality, debilitating health problems (both mental and physical), and ethnic conflicts. Follows this with a brief discussion of corresponding efforts by the state to correct…

Presents an interview with Russian Deputy Federal Minister of Education, V. K. Batsyn, concerning the significance and necessity of history instruction for students. Discusses the nature and purpose of history instruction under the old Marxist regime and describes the new methods and approaches being implemented. (MJP)

Compares and contrasts the need for educational standards in the United States and Russia. Argues that both systems burden their students with an excess of peripheral and inconsequential material in order to satisfy outdated pedagogical objectives. Praises American efforts at creating national standards but questions their applicability to Russia.…

Surveys some of the more prominent views on education during the final years of tsarist Russia. Russian pedagogical thinking was largely influenced by progressive educational theories popular in the United States and Europe. Discusses the views and efforts of major Russian educational theorists at the time. (MJP)

Distinguishes between alternative schools (where a particular educational program is adhered to as a matter of faith) and innovative schools (where there is a constant search for better approaches). Maintains that the innovative approach has become more accepted in Russian schools, allowing teachers greater freedom and increasing their…

Notes that the proportion of the Russian state budget spent on education is less than one-third of that spent in the United States. Exacerbating this problem, educational facilities at all levels are inadequate and deteriorating. Describes ways through which the city of Riazan has attempted to address this problem. (MJP)

Provides an overview of the problems and attitudes concerning educational financing of public education in Russia. Maintains that market mechanisms alone will be inadequate to meet the educational needs of all strata of society. The main burden of spending must be borne by the state. (MJP)

Characterizes many civic councils (a combination parent-teacher organization and school board) as bureaucratic and unproductive. Profiles a council governing a Moscow suburban school that has been innovative and effective. Discusses the financial and administrative initiatives developed in conjunction with the school principal. (MJP)

Recounts the success story of the Chekan Agrarian School in Izhevsk, Russia. Through a number of commercial activities, the school earns money not only to pay for program development, but also to provide for its students to go on to higher education. Unfortunately, few schools follow this example. (MJP)