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PART lssues and Perspectives of Elementaryand Secondary Education

In the Soviet Union, reforms to improve the quality of education is being promoted with specific goals, including the goal of securing high quality young workers. In terms of the school system, the encouragement of starting school one year earlier at six and the increase of intensive schools and classes for the study of specialized subjects/areas are being introduced and in terms of curriculum, the carefull selection of educational content and the increase or elective subjects are being implemented ; thus, the trend or reform is geared toward diversification and flexibility. Concerning teachers, the duration of teacher training courses has been extended from four years to five years, the practicum was increased, and the low salaries are being raised. As a new organ of school management, a school council involving students and representatives of the community has been established at each school and the range of school autonomy has been expanded, thus promoting democratization of the administration and management of education.