Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 25 May, a discussion of the progress of reforms in the field of school education was held under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

By a presidential decree from 11 May 2022, the National Program for the Development of Public Education for 2022-2026 was approved. It identifies 6 key areas: improving the quality of education based on advanced foreign experience, increasing the authority of the teaching profession, developing inclusive education, vocational guidance for students, improving infrastructure and digitalization of the sphere. Each of these areas consists of dozens of specific tasks.

Also, in accordance with the Presidential Decree for the implementation of this program, road maps have been developed for each district and city.

At the meeting, the Minister of Public Education reported on the started work in this direction and plans for the next academic year. 

First, the issues of introducing a new program into the educational process are considered. In particular, this year it is planned to create textbooks, workbooks and teaching aids for grades 3, 6, 7 and 10, in 2023-2024 - for grades 4, 5, 8, 9 and 11.

The head of state emphasized the need to develop high-quality textbooks by forming a working group of foreign experts and researchers.

Particular attention in the national program is given to increasing the authority of teachers in society. This requires the training of highly qualified, modern teaching staff. To this end, the Tashkent State Pedagogical University named after Nizami and the educational and scientific organizations operating under it were transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Education.

At the meeting, instructions were given on the transformation of teacher education, improving admission to universities, increasing scientific potential and linking the educational process with practice.

During the discussion of the issues of improving the professional skills of teachers and teaching them new methods, the need was pointed out to expand the activities of the Abdulla Avloni National Research Institute, to ensure close interaction between the institute and local pedagogical schools. A decision was made to introduce a professional certification system for teachers of chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics from the next academic year.

The President touched upon the issue of the correct selection of school directors, the development of their professional and managerial competence. The importance of strengthening not only the educational, but also the upbringing component in the activities of schools was noted.

Spirituality starts from school. Attention to spirituality issues in schools should be paid to the same extent as education is given, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In this regard, it is recommended to create educational literature that contributes to the expansion of horizons for students of each class.

The state of development of out-of-school education was also discussed. The task was set to develop a five-year program to improve the activities and infrastructure of Barkamol Avlod schools, providing for the creation of STEAM circles in them.