Reviews of National Policies for Education: Secondary Education in Kazakhstan
This report evaluates the education reform agenda of Kazakhstan – its feasibility and focus – by taking stock of present-day strengths and weaknesses of the secondary education system. The report also provides guidance on adjusting the reform implementation plans in line with international experiences and best practices regarding educational change, and consolidates much of the previously dispersed (national) data on primary and secondary schools in Kazakhstan into a common analytical base of evidence, validated by the education authorities.
Chapter 1 of this report provides an overview of the country, it education system and reform plans. Subsequent chapters provide analysis of and recommendations on equity and effectiveness of schooling; assessment and evaluation practices; policies for teachers and principals; expenditure patterns and financing mechanisms; vocational education and training; and a summary of the recommendations.
Vocational education and training in Kazakhstan
Chapter 6 presents the VET system of Kazakhstan – its mandate, set-up and governance, and outlines some of the challenges the sector is facing, such as low prestige of VET education, low quality of student intake, limited relevance of study content, and lack of highly trained teachers. The chapter provides an overview of planned reforms for VET and discusses the comprehensive role assigned to the new holding company “Kasipkor” in kick-starting wide-reaching modernisation and innovation in VET in Kazakhstan, including the establishment of close partnerships with the private sector.