Last year and this year, four DECIDE expert teams, who work with communities across Ukraine, have been providing consultative support on all aspects of implementing the reform of specialised senior secondary education – the third and final stage of the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform.

Recently, DECIDE expert team – Olena Stepko, Olha Khomenko, and Yana Brusentsova – conducted a series of on-site consultations in communities in Odesa region: Usativska, Tairovska, Biliaivska, Dachnenska, and Velykoploskivska communities. The discussions focused on practical tools to help communities make decisions related to the future network of academic lyceums.

During the consultations, the experts described key approaches to the implementation of the reform of specialised senior secondary education and emphasised that the reform does not restrict children’s right to education, but rather changes the organisational model of senior secondary education to improve quality and expand opportunities for students.

At the same time, parents, teachers, and community representatives were concerned about very practical issues: whether primary education would be separated if the school became an academic lyceum, how effective it would be, which school the community would designate as an academic lyceum, and what the future held for schools in remote localities.

‘When it is about schools, nobody really remains indifferent. Everyone has their own questions, concerns, and views. It was extremely important for us to come together, listen to the experts, and talk openly about how to ensure the best learning conditions for our children. After all, it is important not only to implement changes, but also to explain them simply and consistently – to students, parents, teachers, and everyone involved in organising education on a daily basis,’ said Olha Tessa, Head of the Education Department of Biliaivska community.

The experts also visited educational establishments, inspected bomb shelters, the material and technical infrastructure, and learning conditions, in order to help communities assess their capabilities and choose the most effective management decisions relating to the functioning of academic lyceums.

For instance, in Velykoploskivska community, despite the small number of schoolchildren, there is consistent investment in education: classrooms are renovated, equipment is purchased, and educational spaces are created.

‘We are a small community. But that does not mean our children should have fewer opportunities. Therefore, we continue to invest resources in education, renovate schools, and create modern learning environments. We want children to see prospects for themselves here, at home, and not feel that a quality education is only possible in big cities,’ said Volodymyr Yarochkin, Head of the Education Department at the Velykoploskivska Village Council.

DECIDE Project experts have already provided consultative support to more than 26 communities in Odesa region, ranging from online consultations to on-site visits to communities. If your community also requires expert support with the implementation of the reform of specialised senior secondary education, please fill out the short form via this link.

We continue to support communities in implementing the reform, as its success also depends on the extent to which communities are able to use the tools provided to develop their own network of academic lyceums.