During the last decade, since the break-up of the Soviet Union into a number of independent countries, Kyrgyzstan has experienced major political, social and economic transformation. This has resulted in increased democratization and decentralization. Educational systems have been transformed too. In Kyrgyzstan, the number and size of universities…

Recommends that Soviet schools concentrate on age-related materials for students, with differentiation and in-depth study of subjects in the upper grades. Recommends educational emphasis on the restoration of harmonious relations between people and with nature. Calls upon the educational system to encourage teachers to stand up for their own…

Expresses concern that higher education teaches subject matter thoroughly at the expense of teaching method. Finds the opposite to be true of graduates of teacher training institutes. Sees these students' strengths as teaching methodology and understanding of children, not their subject matter. Urges development of experimental proving grounds in…

Proposes categories of teacher ability that make it possible to increase Soviet teacher salaries depending on the results of certification, seniority, and class size. Urges economic motivation as an incentive to attract better candidates to the teaching profession. Criticizes the present practice of awarding salary increases for length of service,…

As part of an effort by the project group "Preparedness for Peace", this publication presents a conversation with Dr. Valentina Mitina of the Research Institute of General Pedagogy, USSR Academy of Pedagogical Sciences. Dr. Mitina, a senior researcher specializing in comparative education, is also an activist in nongovernmental…