K-12 education (primary to secondary education) in
Russia is different from that of the United States in structure as well in many
other aspects. In fact, the whole educational systems of both are distinctly
dissimilar. But before we delve into a detailed discussion of their structural
differences, it would be interesting to show some recent statistics related to
education in both countries.
Russia
is known for having a long tradition of providing high quality education to all
its citizens. Its educational system has consistently produced an almost 100% literacy
rate in most recent years. Based on
UNESCO statistics for 2009 for example, Russia ranked #13 in the world together
with two other countries namely Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan with a literacy
rate of 99.5%. This is higher than those of most European countries even that
of the United States. In this same
survey, the United States scored a flat literacy rate of 99 % and is ranked #20
together with 25 other countries.
Another revealing statistic came
from an international study of Math and Science achievement levels among 8th
graders (the International Math and
Science Study done by the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study or TIMSS in
2007) worldwide. (TIMMS was developed
by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement
or IEA).
In this study Russia’s 8th graders ranked #9 globally. Comparatively, American 8th graders ranked lower at #11. The 1995 statistics were even worst for the American 8th graders. In that year (1995), the Russian students ranked 14 while the American students were way below at # 40. Although there was a marked improvement by American students from 1995 to 2007, their poor performance never-the-less left them out of the top 10 and continued to raise concern among American educators especially so since the United States spends 5.7% of its GDP on education compared to only 3.8% by Russia.
In this study Russia’s 8th graders ranked #9 globally. Comparatively, American 8th graders ranked lower at #11. The 1995 statistics were even worst for the American 8th graders. In that year (1995), the Russian students ranked 14 while the American students were way below at # 40. Although there was a marked improvement by American students from 1995 to 2007, their poor performance never-the-less left them out of the top 10 and continued to raise concern among American educators especially so since the United States spends 5.7% of its GDP on education compared to only 3.8% by Russia.
American students fared even worst
than their Russian counterparts in reading achievement. In the International
Student Achievement in Reading study conducted in 2006 by the IEA Progress in
International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) among students with 4 years of
formal education (Grade 4), Russian students topped the study while their
American counterparts ranked way below at #18.
This is dismally lower than the results achieved by grade 4 students
from Hong Kong (#2) and Singapore (#3) who shared the top three positions with
Russia (#1).
Amazingly, the structure of the
educational system of both Russia and the United States are essentially the
same. Both were patterned after the educational system in Germany although each
one has made some modifications through the years.
Compulsory education in Russia is
for 11 years and starts at the age of 6 up to 17 years old and consists of
Primary, Basic Secondary, and Upper Secondary. Primary school is for 4 years
from Grade 1 to Grade 4. This is followed by 5-year Basic Secondary School
(Grades 5 – 9). From Basic Secondary, the student takes the 2 year Upper
Secondary school Grades 10 – 11).
Compulsory education in the United
States spans 12 years (longer than Russia
by 1 year) starting at the age of 5 to 18 years old. Elementary School is
for 6 years and starts at Kindergarten to Grade 5. This is followed by 3 years
of Middle School from Grade 6 to Grade 8. After which, the students spend 4
years in High School from Grade 9 to Grade 12. Elementary and Middle School
comprise the primary education and High School represents the Secondary level.
With very little difference in the
educational system of both countries, one can only wonder why
Russians students are faring better
than American students in Math, Science, and Reading standardized global achievement
tests.
