Russian teachers told to watch for students disloyal to the regime
Teachers running Russia's mandatory 'Important Conversations' propaganda classes have been instructed to pay closer attention to students who show doubt or dislike toward official values. The directive points to tightening ideological control in Russian schools.
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Russia's education system is stepping up monitoring of students' attitudes through the mandatory class series 'Conversations About Important Things', which serves as a tool for propaganda and ideological upbringing in schools.
What has changed
Teachers who lead these sessions have now been instructed to pay special attention to students who display confusion or dislike toward what is described as 'existing values'. Attention should also be given to those who avoid discussing the topics presented in class or who ask questions considered provocative.
Context
'Conversations About Important Things' was introduced in Russian schools as a regular part of the curriculum, aimed at reinforcing the state's official narrative and value system among students. The instruction to focus on critically minded students suggests an effort to identify, and potentially influence, young people whose views diverge from the officially endorsed stance.
The report points to increasingly tight ideological control within Russia's education environment, where teachers are now also entrusted with a monitoring role over students' thinking and attitudes, rather than solely delivering coursework.
