Changes in the Ukrainian Educational Field in the Conditions of Social Uncertainty

Abstract

The article is devoted to the consideration of changes and tendencies in the Ukrainian educational field. The focus is on secondary education, in particular, the growing trend of private secondary education. It is noted that in 2020-2021 academic year the number of students in private schools increased by 174,5% compared to 2014-2015 academic year, teachers – by 89,6%. The situation in the field of private distance education is analyzed. The role of private schools is emphasized, which today play the role of pioneers in expanding opportunities for the entire educational field. It is noted that the growth of options in the range of educational opportunities is a positive trend. Data on the dynamics in the sector of pedagogical education are given. It has been suggested that the demand for certified teachers will increase, however, there will be a shortage of young teachers in public schools. The statistics of admission to higher education institutions are analyzed, which show that pedagogical specialties are not always the choice of the best school graduates. Growth in the field of online education is considered – from individual educational projects such as Youtube channels to government initiatives (All-Ukrainian online school). It is emphasized that the authors of private educational Youtube channels are an example of agents of change, whose perseverance not only increases adolescents' interest in science, but also inspires others to create educational projects, which creates a favorable environment for the development of educational innovations. The course of an important educational reform – «New Ukrainian School», in particular its content and actual implementation is analyzed. Examples of successful reform and difficulties of its implementation in primary school are given; considered threats to further reform due to a change in political leadership; public opinion on secondary education reform is analyzed. It is concluded that the political perturbations and quarantine restrictions caused by the pandemic, in the conditions of unstable institutionality, lead to the fact that in Ukraine both progressive innovations and inhibition of changes are possible.