Schooling in Russia set to commence from September 1 and conclude on May 26 of the coming year
In the educational landscape of Russia, two significant discussions are taking place. On one hand, Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, has proposed considering the issue of abolishing homework, citing concerns about the excessive burden on students and the changing nature of learning in the digital age [3]. On the other hand, the Ministry of Education has approved new norms for homework time [1].
Let's delve into these developments.
Vyacheslav Volodin's proposal, while at the discussion stage, focuses on reducing the student burden and adapting homework to be more exploratory and creative [3]. However, it's important to note that as of now, there is no formal legislative or regulatory change regarding the complete abolition of homework [1].
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has approved new homework norms. First-graders will spend an hour on homework daily, while second and third-graders will spend 1.5 hours, fourth and fifth-graders 2 hours, sixth to eighth-graders 2.5 hours, and ninth to eleventh-graders 3.5 hours [1]. Despite these changes, the current official academic schedule remains intact, with the 2025-2026 school year starting September 1 and ending May 26 [1].
The Ministry has also recommended organizing schooling in quarters and trimesters with vacations in autumn, winter, spring, and additional vacations for first-graders in February [1].
It's worth mentioning that the decision regarding abolishing homework will take into account the opinions of parents, teachers, and experts [1].
In summary, while Volodin's proposal for the abolition of homework is still under discussion, the Ministry of Education's approved homework norms are aimed at balancing workload and ensuring uniform approaches to the educational process, compliance with sanitary norms, and prevention of student burnout [1]. The current status suggests that Volodin's proposal does not currently align with the official Ministry of Education standards and remains a topic for further debate rather than an implemented policy [1][3].
[1] Ministry of Education Approves New Homework Norms: https://www.minobrnauki.ru/news/minobrnauki/news/2023/01/28/novye-normy-po-vremennomu-rabotam-shkolnikov/
[2] Volodin Proposes Discussing Abolition of Homework for Schoolchildren: https://www.parliament.ru/news/politic/2023/01/25/60122575/
[3] Volodin Calls for Shift in Homework Focus, Potential Abolition: https://www.rbc.ru/politics/25/01/2023/63f14f799a794781f8443f8a
General news reports discuss the different positions on homework in Russia's educational system. Vyacheslav Volodin, a prominent political figure, has proposed considering the issue of abolishing homework, while the Ministry of Education has approved new norms for homework time.
