On February 2, the president of Uzbekistan signed a decree on teaching foreign languages and professions to schoolchildren.
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, an experimental initiative will introduce educational programs such as “Advanced subject learning” and “Business and vocational training” that will be taught along with the core curriculum in grades 10−11.
“Advanced subject learning” will focus on exact, natural sciences or a foreign language, while “Business and vocational training” will prepare students for various professions, especially those in digital technologies.
Additionally, from the 2024/2025 school year, foreign language education will be implemented gradually:
- In grades 5−9, the intensity of foreign language instruction will be increased to foster basic knowledge and speech skills among students;
- In grades 10−11, foreign language instruction will focus on the development of academic writing and speaking skills.
Students who choose a foreign language under the “Advanced subject learning” program will be taught a second foreign language in grades 10−11.
The Ministry of Preschool and School Education has been directed to improve curricula and programs for the foreign language subject by May 1, involving both local and foreign experts. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that students master the second foreign language by the 11th grade at a proficiency level no lower than A2.
By the end of 2024, the acquisition and adaptation of textbooks from international publishers focused on foreign language instruction should be executed. Additionally, it is necessary to engage qualified specialists in English, Chinese, Korean, German, French and Japanese languages in schools.
The ministry has also been directed to assess the knowledge and skills of foreign language teachers and arrange short-term training courses for them.
Under the “Business and vocational training” program, students will undergo training in professions aligned with the second level of the National Qualifications Framework.
To achieve this goal, schools will establish workshops and introduce the position of vocational training master. Students will receive training in vocational and entrepreneurial skills in either working professions, with the involvement of entrepreneurs and craftsmen in schools, or modern IT professions through courses organized within schools.
The document allows for the provision of vacant school premises for free use to the participants of the program “20,000 entrepreneurs — 500,000 qualified specialists” based on a direct contract. This would facilitate the establishment of monocenters and subsequent student training in professions.
The Ministry of Pre-school and School Education is directed to approve, by April 1, a flexible curriculum within the existing core for schools. This curriculum will organize the educational process in the areas of “Advanced subject learning” or “Business and vocational training.”
