The regional government discussed modern education development of Saratov Region in order to improve the quality of education. Led by Chair of the regional government Roman Busargin, a discussion panel was held, where Acting Minister of Education of Saratov Region Mikhail Orlov and Head of SSU Priority Projects and Programmes Elena Yelina delivered their reports. The meeting members considered the need to improve the training of schoolchildren in the region paying special attention to children studying in rural schools.
According to Elena Yelina, among the applicants who passed the tests in 2021 only 11% of high school graduates from the region were able to take state-funded places at Saratov University. She noted that it is difficult for them to overcome the specifics of the university studies: only 5% of freshmen are ready for it. Based on a survey of university teaching staff who work with freshmen, the issues of school education were identified.
Elena Yelina spoke about the university methods aimed to motivate students to the teaching profession and commented on teacher training. It was emphasised that in the nearest future the university will open a virtual pedagogical class, in which more than 200 schoolchildren have already been registered. Besides, this initiative will allow schoolchildren of the region to regularly communicate with university professors, listen to lectures by leading professors, attend lessons of young university graduates and now teachers of well-known Saratov schools.