Current issues of the school education system development discussed at the Homeroom Teachers’ Forum

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The National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow hosted a Solovyov Live talk show discussion on issues that matter to teachers, parents and pupils. Experts commented on the development of Russia’s education system and the new regulations that entered into force on 1 September 2025. The event took place as part of the 5th Homeroom Teachers’ Forum. It was attended by Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Olga Koludarova.

"Today, education is not simply the process of transferring knowledge, but also of shaping personalities. A teacher is, above all, a mentor who, by personal example, forms students’ worldview and instils traditional spiritual and moral values. I would like to note that from 1 September 2025, Order No. 704 entered into force, transferring all educational institutions to unified teaching and learning programmes. During the academic year, we will monitor the situation and make certain adjustments," said Olga Koludarova.  

The Deputy Head of the Ministry of Education of Russia also emphasised that from the 2025/26 academic year, a ministerial order established a standard for the duration of homework, which ranges from one to three and a half hours per day. The time allocated for tests and assessment activities must not exceed 10% of the total study time.

In addition, Olga Koludarova reminded that in six regions of the country a trial of a system for assessing student behaviour is currently under way.

"The results of the pilot project will be summed up in 2026. We are considering three assessment models: a two-level system (in the form of pass/fail), a three-level system ('exemplary behaviour,' 'acceptable behaviour,' 'unacceptable behaviour'), and a five-level system ('excellent,' 'good,' 'satisfactory,' 'unsatisfactory,' and 'completely unsatisfactory'). Starting from the 2026/27 academic year, one of these models will be introduced in schools across the country," noted Olga Koludarova. 

The First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Education, Alena Arshinova, also took part in the event. She spoke about the achievements of Russia’s education system and focused on educational work with children.

"Since 2022, Russian schools have implemented the cycle of extracurricular lessons 'Conversations about Important Things,' held ceremonies of raising the State Flag of the Russian Federation and performing the national anthem. In addition, particular attention is paid to creating a comfortable educational environment. More than 5,600 schools have already undergone major renovations," said Alena Arshinova.

Also taking part in the talk show were Konstantin Fedorenko, Director of the Artek International Children’s Centre; Vardan Bagdasaryan, Dean of the Faculty of History, Political Science and Law at the State University of Education; Oskar Kuchera, TV and radio presenter, Russian theatre, film, and television actor and father of many children; and Larisa Potapova, teacher of Russian language and literature, homeroom teacher, and Head of the Upbringing Department at Gymnasium No. 64 named after V.A. Kotelnikov in Lipetsk.

They discussed issues such as teachers’ bureaucratic workload, the use of mobile phones in schools, and the introduction of a new remuneration system for education workers. 

The event was hosted by journalist and TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov.

It should be noted that the 5th Homeroom Teachers’ Forum is organised by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation on the instructions of President of Russia Vladimir Putin and is taking place from 1 to 3 October.