Democracy In The Russian School

Framed by an introductory essay by Ben Ekiof, the translated documents in this volume are crucial to understanding Russian educational reform efforts. These primary sources, based on previously unpublished statistical data and public opinion surveys, depict current conditions in Russia's schools. Reflecting the approach of the leading historian of education Edward Dneprov-now the powerful minister of education serving under Boris Yeltsin-the documents describe the radical reform philosophy and program first published in Teachers' Gazette in 1988, which now serve as the operative legislation for all secondary schools. The VNIK (Temporary Scientific Research Collective on the Schools) reform movement is a fascinating microcosm of perestroika in terms of goals, mobilization, and the complicated, painful process of implementation. This unique glimpse into Russian education in a period of turmoil will interest all those who follow Russian politics and society.

Ben Eklof is Professor of History and Education at Indiana University and Director of the Institute for the Study of Russian Education, as well as editor of Khronika: Chronicle of Education in Russia and Eurasia. Among his books are Russian Peasant Schools (1986), Soviet Briefing (1989), School and Society in Tsarist and Soviet Russia (ed., 1993), Democracy in the Russian School (ed., 1993), Russia's Great Reforms, 1855-1881 (ed.,1994), The World of the Russian Peasant (ed., 1990). Recently, he edited the two volume English language translation of Boris Mironov's acclaimed Social History of Imperial Russia, 1700-1917. Prof. Eklof continues to work on a volume on the daily life of the Russian school before the Revolution, and to publish on education in the post-Soviet era.