Education System Reforms in the Countries of Central Asia

I chose Educational equity in Kazakhstan as the subject of my interest and research.

 

         I grew up in Soviet Union where equality was the main idea. Equal work, equal salary, education, property, food, clothing (uniform) was what people strived for. But life and experience showed that people are not equal, and accepting that everyone has equal talents is against nature appriori. Some are born with talent to sing, some to draw, some to count, some to write, some to design, some to teach, some to create, some to destruct. And it is wrong to teach and treat everyone in the same way. Topic that I want to discuss today will show why.

 

         In the country where I currently teach there are different kinds of schools and educational systems, but I chose 3 main institutions that will give general idea about the system here and let me provide quick overview and analysis.

            At the base of the educational pyramid system is Public schools. Everyone is not equal, but everyone should have equal opportunities in the beginning. Therefore public schools that are financed and controlled by Government should be in each civil area and have enough power and ability to educate its students. Here, the classes are usually full, teachers are not graduates of best universities, children are from medium class families, control is limited to checking everyone is dressed diligently and no hazardous substances are brought to school, and no bullying and harassment is taking place. The education program is issued and managed by the Ministry of education, maintenance of schools and Teachers salaries is paid from Government as well. The government uses the finances that are collected from taxpayers and it is fair and justified.

Here, students learn to read, write, are introduced to basic laws of science (biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, maths), sociology (history, languages), physical education and although it might seem much and unfocused, but it gives them opportunity to try everything and decide where they are best and in which field they can develop their talents. But most importantly, they learn to interact with each other, times change and information technologies are developing at the speed that we have never observed before. What I learned at school by heart 10 years ago is of no more use. Through the help of Google, Wikipedia I can pull out any information that I want. But interacting with others, discovering that there are all kinds people, and different approaches is something that can be learned only on field, at school and this is the most important reason children should attend school. Not for marks, not to spend time with use, but to learn to interact with each other and learn life.

The second and higher part of my pyramid is QSI schools. In this system, the schools and classes are better equipped, teachers are of higher qualification, deeper experience, classes are less crowded, there is more individual approach to students, and more focus on extracurricular activities. There is a certain exam that students have to pass to be admitted to the school and there is a certain fee that must be paid by parents. Unfortunately not everyone can afford to educate his child at these schools, but fortunately there are scholarships for extra bright students as well.

 

At the top of my pyramid, there is NIS, also called as champions’ league. The smartest students from all over the country are selected and educated in these schools. No fee is needed to be paid, as the schools are completely sponsored by Nazarbaev foundation, but students have to pass certain exams every year, and in case of failing are dismissed from the school. It might sound cruel, but I find it motivating as well.

In conclusion, I would like to say that it is always great to have options. When you have different opportunities, you can always choose which way you want to go, depending on your current wishes, potential, outlook on life. Many find it cynic that there are private schools or that there are specialised schools, but natural selection has never been cancelled and this is what moves the human civilization forward.

Likewise is in sports. You don’t become Ronaldo immediately. You first play with children in your block (public school analogy), if you are best and lucky, a trainer notices you and invites to play in higher league (QSI), if you are best there you go to play for a country (champions league, analogue of NIS).

Or if you are musician, you don’t start in Carnegie hall immediately. There is a long path that leads to it, sometimes it is hard, for some it is easier, but it is always there.

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