SOVIET SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 11, 14 January 1936, Page 10

SOVIET SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

The process of reorganising the Soviet school system along more familiar lines, which began in August, 1932, has been carried several steps further by a new decree signed by Viacheslav Molotoff and Joseph Stalin. A special commission has been appointed to work out for the schools a “code of behaviour’’ which shall have for its basis a strict and conscious observance of discipline, a courteous attitude towards teachers, fellow pupils and elders, ami a careful attitude to ward school and public property. it shall specify measures for combating rowdyism and antisocial manifestations among children Anmng the new measures adopted ft’e: uniforms are to be worn by ail s«hoo] children from January, 1936; a ff’. p niark system of grading instead of thn present two n ark system classifying pupils as satisfactory; issuance for the first time of certificates of excellence showing the pupils’ precise

standing; organisation of special schools in the larger cities for unruly and defective children; and abolition of the brigade system with the substitution of the individual’s responsibility for himself. These changes, while familiar enough 1 iu most countries, are considered a real departure from th e earlier Soviet theories and practice. The official Press condemns severely such fantastic notions as that the school eventually t would “die out,’’ declaring that sonic ; theorists clung to this theory despite - the Kremlin’s efforts to explode it. But the present decree should set such i theories straight. I Rigid discipline and precise grading ; are the central characteristics of the 1 present changes. The Soviet Press ex- - plains that the elementary and middle ? schools have failed to prepare children for higher education and that drastic - reorganisation is therefore necessary.