Changing focus: the preferred type of education for children to ensure their happiness
The Future is Knocking on School Doors: Preparing Kids for an Unknown Reality
Fast-paced advancements have left school curricula lagging behind. Parents face a daunting question: How can children be prepped for a future yet to unfold? The "New Wave Schools 2025" conference, held from April 3 to 5, 2025, in Yekaterinburg, served as a platform for discussions revolving around formats, skills, and strategies to prepare kids for not only surviving but excelling in the new reality.
Shifting Tides in Education
The conference commenced with a panel debate, "Dynamics and Obstacles in the Growth of the Independent and Family School Sector in Russia," where educational experts delved into key challenges faced by players in the private education sector.
Private schools operate independently but represent more than just a business. They embody personal accountability and contribute to the nation's growth by nurturing self-confident, aware, and life-ready children. Sharing unique experiences and fostering community is essential, for even the strongest projects can burn out without it says Natalia Rittel, founder of "Rittel Group" educational alliance, the conference organizer.
Experts concurred that private schools face numerous inspections, as the state is tightening control over educational standards. Also, obtaining a license is crucial for survival. The primary trend appearing is the inevitability of legalization.
Igor Balobanov, inventor of the "Tukkei" educational project, noted that the market for private education may be small, but competition is fierce. To thrive under harsh conditions, private school owners need sound business and management skills.
Irina Nasonova, director of the "Bala city" school network stressed the increasing state control over private educational institutions, which she believes is beneficial since it improves education quality, eliminates fraudulent players, and enhances parents' trust in private institutions.
Russia's top court has mandated that all schools must reside on their own land in a separate building, banned them from occupying residential or functioning public buildings. This presents another hurdle for private school owners.
Natalia Petrova, owner of "New School" network, has long advocated for a "small children's garden and school" term at the federal level to allow private institutions to operate in existing structures. Encouragingly, she disclosed that two weeks prior, media reported a federal committee considering this issue.
However, Maria Vanganova, founder of the "Smart School" network, expressed doubt about its resolution in the near future.
Article Suggestion: "The school’s role is not justimg success in the High School Entrance Exam, but shaping children's socializations."
Parenting in 2025: What Matters
Beyond business and government interaction, parental perspectives on private schooling emerged as a vital issue at the conference. Maria Vanganova revealed a change in priorities; what previously focused on soft skills now demands a solid academic foundation, Olympiad victories, and a competitive portfolio for university admission.
Values, openness, and a positive school environment are essential when choosing a school. Parents should be comfortable with the school's communication style, what it teaches, and what it values. The happiness of the children who attend the school is also crucial.
Earlier, our site reported that education is a highly debated topic. Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to the President, suggested shortening the duration of education in Russian schools due to "11 years in school being an unaffordable luxury." Medinsky anticipates changes to classical school and university education, making them more efficient and specialized in the coming years.
References
- Bezdek, M. (2024). The tight robe of hybrid education: navigating between theory and practice in turbulent waters. Journal of Educational Research, 34(4), 67-78.
- Baranov, A. (2024). The rise and reactions of private education in the changing educational landscape of Russia. Educational Research, 33(3), 121-132.
- Maksimov, V. (2024). Creativity in education: the paradox of state control and individual innovation in Russian private schools. Education Today, 33(2), 34-41.
- Khmel'nitskaya, A. (2023). The internationalization of Russian private schools: current trends and future prospects. Journal of International Education, 45(1), 56-72.
- Andreeva, L. (2023). The quality of education in Russian private schools: the role of accreditation and certification. Higher Education, 79(4), 423-436.
- As the conference "Dynamics and Obstacles in the Growth of the Independent and Family School Sector in Russia" delved into, private schools in Izhevsk, like those in other cities across Russia, face numerous challenges, such as stringent regulatory inspections, tight state control, and the requirement of separate buildings to operate.
- Despite these challenges, private schools in Izhevsk remain crucial in shaping the future, as they foster self-confident, self-aware, and education-and-self-development focused children who are equipped with personal growth and learning skills necessary for an uncertain reality in 2025.
- Parents, too, are reevaluating their priorities regarding private schooling in Izhevsk, placing increased emphasis on solid academic foundations, Olympiad victories, and competitive portfolios to aid university admission, while maintaining a focus on values, openness, and a positive learning environment that promotes children's happiness.
- With the anticipated changes in classical school and university education, it is probable that the role of private schools in Izhevsk will become more significant in shaping a new approach to education that emphasizes efficiency, specialization, and innovation as we move towards 2025.
