Problems and Perspectives of School Development in the Rural Side.

Overview & Synopsis

Development of rural education in the USSR should not be based upon comparison with the USSR's urban education; rather, it should be perceived as an educational alternative with inherent advantages. The shift to compulsory secondary education as accomplished during the 1971-75 five-year period has established education as a major factor in the socioeconomic development of the USSR; wherein, education is perceived as both a means and a goal. The combination of economic necessity and social need for increased education is evidenced by the current growth rate of USSR education, and scientific and technological change in agriculture and the decline in rural population has made increases in the educational level of the rural population a State goal of primary importance. Currently, rural schools lag behind urban schools in terms of qualified educators; materials, facilities, and technological equipment; transportation; cultural advantages; and diversified curriculum. However, if perceived in terms of its own potential, the rural school could afford numerous advantages. Among these are opportunities to teach via: immediate closeness to nature; practical application; economic initiative and independence; diverse skills in classes of technical instruction; etc. Since rural education is inevitably associated with urban education, programs must be oriented toward future possibilities and the needs of the society rather than toward maintaining the status quo. (JC)