Development of a Network of Regional General Education Institutions: The 2007–2008 Results of the National Priority Project “Education”

Abstract

In 2007–2009, the implementation of three-year regional comprehensive programs of education modernization started in 31 federal subjects of Russia as part of the National Priority Program “Education”. This article reviews the outcomes of the regions participating in the project for developing networks between education institutions. These networks are meant to help provide students with a quality education irrespectively of where they live. The diffi culties recently experienced by the majority of Russia’s federal regions are analyzed. The progress of the regions in fulfi lling the new requirements for the functioning of education networks is evaluated. The requirements are concerned with assuring the students’ psychological and physical safety, and with providing students with a comfortable learning environment. This includes an increase in the percentage of students enrolled in schools that off er a modern level of quality. Particular attention is given to providing senior students with the choice of specifi c curricula and individualized educational trajectories. These are based on the variability of educational programs, and this can be done via the network of education institutions, making use of the cooperation and integration of the education resources of the region.