Education at the Point of Bifurcation

Overview & Synopsis

The need to reform education in Russia began to be discussed vigorously in the mid-1980s with the start of perestroika. The proposed aim of the reform, making the system of education more similar to Western standards, was soon made clear. In this article, the author takes a look at the two chief arguments offered by those who defend the reforms: (1) the "democratization" of education, making it more accessible to the vast geographical and social strata of the population; and (2) increase the effectiveness of higher education. The article also discusses the two basic components of the reform: (1) the adoption of the system of the unified state examination; and (2) the two-level model of higher education that includes the training of individuals holding a bachelor's and master's degree. Educational reforms in Russia are attempting to establish a basis for an education that provides for the needs of the economy and society, but more attention needs to be given to the ways in which education can aid in the development of the human potential in all its spheres of endeavor.