1) What changed? Federal core education programmes for all subjects will replace model programmes. This is the gold standard of children's knowledge: a level below which a child's education cannot fall, regardless of where they study. Schools may develop their own programmes, but their content and outcomes must be no lower than those in federal programmes.
2) Particular attention to the humanities! For humanities subjects that shape a person’s worldview and values, the basic and advanced federal core educational programmes will be fixed and compulsory. In primary school these cover Russian, reading and the world around us. In secondary school they cover Russian language and literature, history, social studies, geography and life safety. A federal programme for upbringing and a federal calendar of upbringing activities will also be introduced.
3) What will happen to textbooks? A new procedure for developing school textbooks is being introduced. The Ministry of Education will place state orders for textbooks and teaching aids and approve the author team. Exclusive rights to textbooks belong to the country. Replacement will be gradual, with a transition period.
4) What are the advantages? Consistency in knowledge, teaching methods and outcomes. Fewer textbook errors. Textbooks will also be cheaper through savings on authors' fees. Exams will contain only material pupils studied throughout their schooling. Parents will not need private tutors.