Russia’s Education Ministry Announces a New High School History Textbook
The Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, Sergey Kravtsov, described an upcoming history textbook for high schools that is currently being developed by the Ministry. The material is expected to address the motivations behind the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine and to present the context in which recent events unfolded. The minister spoke about the project in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, outlining key timelines and purposes for the new school resource.
According to Kravtsov, the plan calls for a summer completion window for the 10th and 11th grade editions. He stated that publishers would deliver the textbooks in time for classroom use, with schools prepared to begin implementing the new content by September 1. This schedule emphasizes a prompt integration of revised history material into the academic year and classroom activities as part of ongoing curricular reforms.
During the discussion, Kravtsov also mentioned that he reviewed material related to the Battle of Stalingrad within the forthcoming textbook. He described the experience as emotionally impactful, noting that it highlighted both military leadership and the broader scope of national achievements. He added that the section addressing the special military operation includes the factors that led to its initiation, presenting them as part of the historical narrative under consideration by the Education Ministry.
In a related update, Kravtsov announced on March 31 that Russia ranks among the top ten countries worldwide for the quality of general education. He also spoke about ongoing changes to national examinations, indicating that adjustments are made annually to reflect evolving educational goals and standards across the system.
Officials emphasize that the new textbook project aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of recent events while also detailing the broader historical, political, and social factors that shape current affairs. The ministry stresses that classroom resources will be aligned with national education goals and supported by teacher guidance to ensure consistent implementation across regions. The initiative reflects a broader effort to modernize education while preserving a cohesive understanding of Russia’s recent history within the national curriculum.
Educators and researchers note that the introduction of updated history materials can influence classroom discussion, student engagement, and the development of critical thinking about complex historical episodes. The ministry asserts that the textbook will offer clear explanations of historical events, present multiple perspectives where appropriate, and provide students with a factual framework for analyzing how past decisions influence present-day policy and society. As schools prepare for the new academic year, administrators and teachers are encouraged to review the forthcoming content, plan lessons, and integrate the revised material into standardized curricula, assessments, and classroom activities.