Education under Khrushchev

• • 47% of schools refused to deStalinise curriculum.
  • Number of urban schools doubled.
  • School fees abolished in 1956.
  • Number of teachers rose by 700K under Khrushchev.
  • By 1959, 75% of students graduated secondary school.
• Education under Khrushchev overview

  • Khrushchev's reorganisation and expansion.
  • 1956 Educational Reform.
  • The 1958 Reforms.
  • Final reforms and impact of Khrushchev.
• Khrushchev's reorganisation and expansion

  • 1929-1953 saw urban schools improved but rural schools were smaller and lacked resources; Khrushchev ordered the merger of small country schools into new schools that would offer 10 years of compulsory education.
  • Urban schools doubled; teachers rose from 1.5 million in 1953 to 2.2 million in 1964; focus on improving teacher's education - by 1964 over 40% of teachers had degrees.
  • In 1956, secondary and university fees abolished; special funds established in 1959 to support poor students.
  • By 1959, 75% of 17 year olds complete secondary school.
• Educational Reforms of 1956

  • Khrushchev believed reform was needed; no change to Soviet curriculum from 1931-1955; over 46 textbooks from 1933 were still in use.
  • Reintroduction of polytechnic schools; reflected Khrushchev's need for specialist workers to support light industry.
  • Education became more practical; by 1959, 10% less time spent learning Humanities versus 20% more time spent doing practical learning.
  • Schools expected to organise trips to factories and farms as well as work experience placements.
• The 1958 Reforms

  • In December 1958, Khrushchev further reformed polytechnic education; Khrushchev suspicious that traditional education created prejudice towards workers.
  • Education Law 1959; education compulsory for children aged 7-15, required 11 year education programs so children could stay in school until 19.
  • Education restructured so students aged 16-19 could complete education through vocational training at farms or factories.
  • Ensured most gifted students given places at special schools.
  • Introduced a new course - 'The Fundamentals of Political Knowledge' - to promote communism.
• Final Reforms and impact of Khrushchev

  • De-Stalinisation in education; Stalinist discipline relaxed in 1960; code of conduct for posture was abolished.
  • In 1961, Khrushchev ordered a new emphasis on learning foreign languages to reflect a rejection of Stalinist cultural isolation.
  • Homework and examinations replaced by continuous assessment.
  • In 1962, teachers lost the right to expel underachieving pupils.
  • Impact of reform; reforms were unpopular, parents wanted children to get an academic education: 65% of schools complied with new regulations: 47% of schools did not implement curriculum.