Some schools could teach in English under education reform proposals

Some schools could teach in English under education reform proposals

A proposal to introduce English-language instruction at some schools in Uzbekistan was presented during a briefing on education system development that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed on Wednesday.

The meeting covered updating school textbooks, building students’ knowledge and practical skills, and improving the assessment system. Other proposals included using artificial intelligence to provide teachers with methodological support and increasing private sector involvement.

For vocational education, the discussion focused on identifying young people’s interests at an early stage, aligning technical college curricula with labor market demands, and improving their facilities. It also examined expanding dual education with enterprises and introducing international programs and modern teaching materials.

In higher education, the proposals called for greater university autonomy, improved management, and stronger accountability of university leaders for results. The meeting also discussed cooperation with leading foreign universities, closer ties between education and industry, and more practical training for students.

In science, the emphasis was on developing research clusters and cooperation among universities, laboratories and enterprises. Proposals were also presented on applying research in practice and creating new products and companies from it.

Mirziyoyev stressed that all stages of education, from kindergarten to university, should function as one system, with special attention to continuity between schools and universities. Officials were instructed to thoroughly refine the proposals.