President Mirziyoyev Reviews Measures to Enhance School Education Quality
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan conducted a thorough review on January 26, focusing on measures aimed at improving the quality of school education in the country.
Uzbekistan currently boasts 10,284 schools, and substantial efforts have been made in recent years to enhance their infrastructure and expand student capacity. Annually, around 400 thousand students graduate from schools, with 170 thousand choosing to pursue further education. In alignment with global trends, Uzbekistan is working towards increasing the percentage of school graduates entering vocational education institutions, a strategy widely adopted in developed nations.
The presentation addressed initiatives already in place, such as the establishment of vocational training programs in 208 schools for high-grade students and the noteworthy increase in the number of school graduates obtaining foreign language certificates, rising from 6 thousand to 18 thousand over the past two years.
To further elevate the quality of education, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need for continuous efforts. The assessment system introduced in 500 regional schools has incorporated practical classes that align with advanced foreign methodologies, including situation analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork, contributing to a 60 percent increase in their prevalence. There are plans to adapt this assessment system to international testological criteria by the upcoming academic year.
The President underscored the importance of enhancing the knowledge and skills of teachers and identified the transformation of advanced training centers in 14 regions as crucial. These centers will implement professional development programs for teachers.
Furthermore, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the necessity of refining school curricula in foreign languages, promoting intensive foreign language teaching practices, and aligning university curricula accordingly.
Acknowledging the growth in private schools as a positive trend, the President suggested simplifying licensing requirements for private schools and providing them with additional benefits on loans, taxes, and utility bills. A monitoring platform for private educational organizations and education quality is set to be launched.
In a broader context, the President emphasized the need for a project office to implement education reforms across all levels based on a unified concept. This office will develop educational standards and programs for preschool, school, vocational, and higher education.
President Mirziyoyev also stressed the active involvement of neighborhood chairpersons and activists in school activities, highlighting the crucial role they play in shaping the future of the younger generation. He urged increased participation and attention from parents and society at large, reinforcing the idea that education is not solely the responsibility of educational authorities but a collective effort of parents, community leaders, and society as a whole.
