"Emotional Swings". Reforms, Scandals, and Year-End Results in School Education
Ministry Reform
The Ministry of Education and Science was divided into two separate structures: the Ministry of Enlightenment and the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation.12-Year Education System
One of the most significant reforms this year was the transition to a 12-year school education. Six-year-old children began their studies in the first grade, while seven-year-olds were enrolled directly into the second grade. This led to a double enrollment, and many schools faced overcrowding.The Ministry of Enlightenment assured that there would be no more double enrollments in the future.
Changes in Educational Standards
In May 2025, the government approved updated state educational standards that take into account modern requirements, such as the development of skills, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge. However, teachers note that no changes have been observed in practice so far.Schools in Residential Complexes
In Bishkek, schools are experiencing multiple overloads, so authorities are looking for new places for education. Previously, classes were held in hallways, but now lessons take place in high-rise buildings. For example, students of school No. 40 are studying in classrooms located on the first floors of a residential complex on Malikova Street. Authorities plan to continue this practice.Lyceums and Gymnasiums
This year, significant changes occurred in the status of educational institutions in the capital. According to the new education law, all schools must now have the same status and operate under common rules. This led to a mass re-registration of status schools, resulting in lyceums and gymnasiums becoming ordinary general education institutions.However, later Minister Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva announced that special status would be returned to schools depending on their educational profile, and they would be placed under the patronage of relevant ministries. For example, school No. 13, which specializes in foreign languages, will come under the management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while school No. 61, which is in a difficult situation, will regain its special status and become part of the Ministry of Energy.
New Textbooks
In 2025, 744 million soms were allocated for the publication of textbooks. New educational materials were released:- "Nariste" for first graders;
- English language textbooks for grades 3-9;
- Textbooks on "Mathematics" and "Natural Science" for grades 1-2, 5, and 7;
- Russia provided textbooks on the Russian language and literature.
Electronic Journals
This year, schools began using electronic journals and diaries. The main platform became "Kundoluk," which connects students, parents, and administration, providing access to grades and schedules.However, the implementation of this system faced difficulties. At the end of the first quarter, the platform experienced failures, making it difficult to record grades. Teachers report that they have to duplicate records—entering grades in the electronic journal and also recording them in paper journals in case of system failure.
Holidays
This year, the holiday schedule changed. It became dependent on the Labor Code, leading to long January and May holidays for the working population.This created a serious imbalance in the academic load for children. For example, while five-day holidays after the first quarter were still perceived as normal, after the most challenging third quarter, students have only one day off. This creates additional difficulties for teachers, parents, and students.
School Mergers
The policy of merging educational institutions in Bishkek started last year when schools No. 70 and No. 28 were combined. In 2025, schools No. 37 and No. 14 were merged. These processes were accompanied by protests from parents, students, and educators. Nevertheless, authorities intend to continue merging schools.Similar processes have also begun in Osh, where several schools are being merged right in the middle of the academic year.
Challenges for Teachers
The year 2025 has become a real test for teachers, filled with stress and fatigue. They were required to adapt to new programs and master digital platforms. Despite statements from the Ministry of Enlightenment that digitalization has made work easier, many educators claim the opposite.In their opinion, electronic journals and reports did not alleviate the workload but only added new responsibilities, and the boundary between work and personal time has practically disappeared. By mid-year, many teachers reported burnout but continued to work. Pessimism was also fueled by statements from Edil Baysalov about the need to dismiss "ineffective teachers."
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