Distance education in Ukraine will undergo significant changes in the 2024/2025 academic year. The Ministry of Education and Science is implementing a comprehensive “School Offline” policy aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring access to education for all students, regardless of their location. These measures include minimum class size requirements, the creation of online classrooms with the necessary equipment, and support for children studying abroad or in temporarily occupied territories. These changes will help improve the quality of distance education and ensure access to knowledge for all children.
The distance education reform for the 2024/2025 academic year provides for a number of important changes. Innovations are aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring access to education for all students, regardless of their place of residence. The changes were announced by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on the official website and are part of the comprehensive “School Offline” policy.
The main changes in the work of distance schools
- The minimum number of students in the class. In distance schools, the number of students in classes must be at least 20 people, excluding students who study on an external or family basis. This rule is aimed at ensuring more interactive learning and more efficient use of school resources.
- Creation of classes for all years of study. At least one class for all years of study – from 1 to 9 or from 5 to 11 classes – must be created in each designated educational institution for conducting synchronous online lessons. This will allow access to distance learning for all age groups of students.
- Provision of equipment. Online classes will be created in fully distance schools or full-time/co-ed institutions, provided the necessary equipment is available. This includes computers, interactive whiteboards and other technological means that will contribute to the quality of online lessons.
- Educational institutions in communities. If a community does not have a school that meets the requirements, a non-compliant school will be designated. This will ensure access to education even in the most remote areas.
- Education abroad. Children who are abroad are obliged to study according to the program of the Ukrainian studies component. This includes the study of the Ukrainian language, literature, history and other subjects that will provide a connection with the native culture and language.
- Pedagogical patronage program. A pedagogical patronage program will be in place for schoolchildren from the temporarily occupied territories, which will allow students to study individually with a teacher. This will help ensure the continuity of the educational process and support students in difficult conditions.
