Behavioral assessments may return to Russian schools

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed to consider re-introduction of grades for student behavior in schools. He said if the grade is reinstated, it should be on par with other grades and affect the learning process. This initiative was discussed at the meeting of the Russian Civil Society and Human Rights Development Council.

Putin emphasized that the initiative to introduce behavioral assessments should be discussed with the parent community and experts. He noted that behavioral assessments should be coordinated with students' general academic assessments.

In June, Valery Fadeev, the head of the Human Rights Council, suggested introducing behavioral assessments in schools and not allowing students with bad grades to take exams. This opinion was supported by the Minister of Education of Russia Sergey Kravtsov.

Behavioral assessments appeared in pre-revolutionary Russia and were widely introduced in schools in the Soviet Union from 1943. At that time, a bad behavior grade could result in a student being expelled from a higher education institution or out of school. This system was abolished after the dissolution of the Union.

The introduction of behavioral assessments is aimed at strengthening the educational order and discipline in Russia. But there are different opinions on this issue in society.

Proponents of this system believe that behavioral assessments make students more responsible and teach them to follow the rules of social etiquette.

Opponents argue that the system can put too much pressure on students and create inequality.

The introduction of behavioral assessments in Russian schools can be an important step to strengthen discipline and social norms in the education system. However, discussions between parents and professionals will determine its effectiveness and impact. The future results of this initiative will depend on how much it improves the quality of education in the school.