Development of strategic directions for education reforms in Kazakhstan for 2015-2020

Abstract

This study presents a roadmap report of current developments in the academic system of Kazakhstan. The report puts forward comprehensive reforms for the way the Kazakhstan educational system is developed, organised and financed. It takes into account the goals of the State Programme of Education Development for 2011-2020 and a number of the key reform measures that were currently under implementation, such as the system rationalization and quality assurance initiatives [1]. The report draws on the experience and expertise of a broad range of stakeholders, who generously contributed their views through more than 50 meetings and consultations throughout the year. The key themes of the study include i) preschool education; ii) secondary education; iii) teacher education; iv) higher education and v) vocational education and training. The recommendations are driven by two realities. First, Kazakhstan is poised for long-term prosperity through the development of market economy and investment. At the same time, the nation is experiencing challenges across different sectors of knowledge-based economy. For instance, there is strong lack of additional skills that the economy demands. To ensure skilled workforce is well used, the state will require further investment in education.