22.05.2023

On May 22, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the presentation of proposals on improving the preschool and school education system.

The first article of the new edition of our Constitution stipulates that Uzbekistan is a social state. One of the major responsibilities for such a state is to ensure the accessibility of quality education. As part of an administrative reform, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education has been established to ensure consistent development in this area. The measures for structural optimization of the system, introduction of modern programs and stimulation of sphere workers are being undertaken.

The forthcoming activities in that direction were discussed during the presentation.

It was noted that new curriculum based on international experience will be introduced in the primary classes. The number of subjects in the senior classes will be reduced from 16 to 11, integration of curricula between the subjects will be provided, 11 mandatory and 2 optional subjects will be introduced. From the next school year, the subject of computer science will be taught from the 1st grade.

Currently, 70% of the topics are unrelated to everyday life. From now on, the proportion of practical lessons will be increased from 40% to 60%. The topics will be taught as an example of solving a specific problem, while the practical lessons will be in the form of project implementation.

In order to provide schools with qualified personnel, a certification system for teachers will be established. Thus, a teacher entering the job will need to work one year as a teacher-trainee and receive a certificate during this period.

Tests for assignment of qualification category for teachers will be held in two stages. The first stage is an assessment of the candidate’s knowledge in the field, the second stage is an assessment of pedagogical skills. Teachers who receive a qualification certificate may be paid a bonus of up to 70% of their monthly salary amount.

In addition, in order to attract qualified kindergarten teachers, starting June 1, 2024 their salaries will be equal to the salaries of school teachers.

Empowering general education schools with the right to freely use off-budget funds will give them the opportunity to improve their resource base and make additional payments to the teachers. Now, it is planned to extend this order to kindergartens and specialized schools.

The boards of directors consisting of the most experienced directors will be created to form a qualified managerial corps at the local level. Henceforth, school directors will be appointed on the recommendation of the board through an open competition.

At the same time, the authority of the district (city) departments of the Ministry to inspect the activities of schools and assess the quality of education will be terminated. The requirements for the organization of private schools will be eased.

The issues of comprehensive organization of children’s leisure time, opening of modern clubs with involvement of private sector were covered at the meeting.

The President approved these proposals and gave directions for transforming the system, raising the qualifications and incentives for teachers.