Development of a unified state series of Russian language and literature textbooks discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The creation of a unified state series of Russian language and literature textbooks, which will be introduced in Russian schools in 2027, was discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA. The discussion took place as part of the Znanie.Science educational marathon. The meeting was attended by Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Yelena Yampolskaya, winners of national school contests in Russian language and literature, and activists of the Russian public-and-state movement of children and youth Movement of the First.

Also participating in the meeting were Head of the Department of Literature Teaching Methods at the Institute of Philology of the Moscow Pedagogical State University, Viktor Chertov, and Head of the Department of Rhetoric and Speech Culture at the Moscow Pedagogical State University, Yelena Yerokhina — the academic supervisors of the authors’ teams working on the literature and Russian language textbooks.

Yelena Yampolskaya noted that the work on the new series is coordinated by the Presidential Council for the Implementation of State Policy in Supporting the Russian Language and the Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation, established in August 2024. According to her, for the first time in many years, school students will study using unified state textbooks that emphasise continuity and modern teaching approaches.

"Our goal is to make textbooks lively and engaging, to raise a generation that loves and consciously uses the Russian language. Russian should be taught as a native language — as a joy, not as a punishment for a child," emphasised Yelena Yampolskaya.

Yelena Yerokhina explained that the new Russian language textbook will be based on three principles — to love, to master and to know. It will focus on developing speech culture, confident language use in various life situations and preparing for the Unified State Exam without excessive theoretical material. "We are creating a textbook that will help students not only learn the rules but also feel the language as a tool of communication and self-expression," she said.

Viktor Chertov presented the concept of the literature textbook, stressing that its key goal is to "bring reading to life" and restore an emotional connection with Russian classics.

"Russian literature is a national treasure we can be proud of. A textbook should evoke emotions and help students feel connected to the culture and history of their country," said the educator.

During the open dialogue, students suggested adding QR codes linking to full texts of literary works, sections with authors’ biographies and explanations of symbols, as well as clearer formulations of grammar rules. Among other proposals were strengthening the inclusion of modern texts and expanding the links between literature and history.

"We hear you and can see that we are moving in the right direction. The most important thing is that future textbooks should not be a mere formality, but books students will want to return to," concluded Yelena Yampolskaya.

The event was held as part of the Znanie.Science educational marathon organised by the Russian society "Znanie" and the Moscow Polytechnic University with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The educational marathon Znanie.Science brings together more than 5,000 schoolchildren, students and young scientists — winners of national contests from 80 regions of Russia, and Abkhazia. The marathon highlights the importance of science for all spheres of human activity, from industry to culture. By engaging with lecturers, participants learn how science expands human potential and what opportunities it opens up for young people in the scientific field. The event is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA on 30–31 October 2025.