Criteria for the Selection of Articles for Publication

1. General Principles of Selection

Only those scholarly articles are accepted for publication that simultaneously:

  • correspond to the journal’s scope;
  • demonstrate scientific novelty and value;
  • comply with the principles of academic integrity and publication ethics;
  • receive positive results from independent peer review.

The decision on publication is made based on a combination of criteria rather than a single indicator.

2. Thematic Relevance

The article must:

  • correspond to the journal’s scope and aims;
  • be relevant to contemporary educational challenges at the national and/or international level.

Articles that do not correspond to the journal’s scope are not sent for peer review.

3. Scientific Novelty and Originality

The article must:

  • present original scientific results, concepts, or interpretations;
  • clearly define the scholarly contribution of the author(s);
  • not duplicate previously published work (including self-plagiarism).

The following are rejected:

  • compilative reviews lacking analytical novelty;
  • purely descriptive texts without scientific analysis;
  • materials fully or partially generated by AI tools without substantial human contribution.

4. Methodological Rigor

The article must:

  • include clearly formulated aims and research questions;
  • present a logically and scientifically justified methodology;
  • demonstrate appropriate use of research methods;
  • ensure coherence between aims, methods, results, and conclusions.

Significant methodological flaws constitute grounds for rejection.

5. Quality of Results and Conclusions

The following are evaluated:

  • validity and reliability of results;
  • adequacy of data interpretation;
  • logical consistency and evidence-based conclusions;
  • alignment of conclusions with the stated aims.

Declarative or insufficiently substantiated conclusions reduce the likelihood of publication.

6. Scientific and/or Practical Significance

The article must:

  • demonstrate clear theoretical, methodological, or applied value;
  • show potential impact on:
    • scientific research;
    • educational practice;
    • education policy or governance.

7. Quality of the Literature Review

The evaluation includes:

  • relevance and recency of sources (primarily from the last 5–7 years);
  • use of international scholarly publications;
  • accuracy of citation;
  • completeness and relevance of the reference list.

An insufficient or outdated literature review may lead to revision or rejection.

8. Compliance with Formatting Requirements

The article must:

  • comply with the journal’s structure and submission guidelines;
  • meet requirements regarding language, style, tables, and figures;
  • contain a properly formatted reference list.

Significant non-compliance may result in rejection without peer review.

9. Academic Integrity and Ethics

The following are mandatory checks:

  • absence of plagiarism;
  • correctness of authorship;
  • disclosure of conflicts of interest;
  • compliance with research ethics standards;
  • appropriate and declared use of AI tools.

Violations of academic integrity are grounds for rejection or retraction.

10. Peer Review Outcomes

Articles may be recommended for publication if they:

  • receive positive or conditionally positive peer review reports;
  • are revised in accordance with reviewers’ comments;
  • undergo repeated evaluation if required.

The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject an article, even with positive reviews, if it:

  • does not align with the journal’s strategic focus;
  • violates editorial or ethical policies.

11. Final Decision

The final decision on publication is made by:

  • the Editor-in-Chief;
  • in agreement with the Editorial Board;
  • based on expert evaluations and editorial policy.

12. Final Provision

Submission of a manuscript to the journal signifies that the author has read and agrees with these Selection Criteria.