Ukraine/U.S. Curriculum Translation
| Grade | 8th (Gymnasium) | 9th (Gymnasium) | 10th (Lyceum 1) | 11th (Lyceum 2) | 12th (Lyceum 3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Blend of Algebra and Geometry Consider: Algebra 1 | Blend of Algebra and Geometry Consider: Geometry | Blend of Algebra and Geometry Consider: Algebra 2 | Blend of Algebra and Geometry Consider: Pre-Calculus | |
| Science | Blend of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Consider: Biology | Blend of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Consider: Chemistry | Blend of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Consider: Physics | Ecology Consider: Environmental Systems | |
| History | World Geography | World History | Country Specific History Consider: SPTSS | Economics | |
| Ukrainian Language/ Literature | Other Foreign Language 2 | Other Foreign Language 3 | Other Foreign Language 4 | Other Foreign Language 5 | Other Foreign Language 6 |
| Foreign Language 1 (English) | Grammar, Reading, Speaking, Listening | Grammar, Reading, Speaking, Listening | Grammar, Reading, Speaking, Listening | Grammar, Reading, Speaking, Listening | |
| Foreign Language 2 (French, German, Spanish, or Russian) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
| Technology (ICT) | Computer Science I | Computer Science I | Computer Science I | ||
| P.E. | P.E. | P.E. | P.E. | P.E. | |
| Fine Arts | Art/Music | Art/Music | Art/Music | Art/Music | |
| Jurisprudence | Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security | Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security | Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security | Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security | |
| Electives (May Vary) |
School Year: September – June | Compulsory Education: 12th Grade | Graduation: 12th Grade
| School | School Type | Grade | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Gymnasium Instruction in regional language | 1 – 4 | |
| Middle School | Basic Secondary Education Gymnasium Instruction exclusively in Ukrainian | 5 – 9 | Certificate of Basic Secondary Education |
| Upper Secondary | Academic or Professional Lyceums | 10 – 11 or 10 – 12 | Certificate of Completion of General Secondary Education |
| Scale 1 | U.S. Equivalent | U.S. Numerical Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 (Excellent) | A | 95 |
| 7-9 (Good) | B | 85 |
| 4-6 (Satisfactory) | C | 75 |
| 1-3 (Unsatisfactory) | F | 69 |
Education Practice:
*All information below is in regards to the education practice in Ukraine before the Russian invasion of 2022
Education reforms enacted in 2018 extended compulsory education in Ukraine from 11 to 12 years. These reforms are being implemented in phases, and those that started school under the old system can still leave at grade 11. The first graduating class that must complete the full 12 years is the class of 2029.
The reforms of 2018 also expanded the role of vocational education, emphasizing greater choice in electives and allowing the choice of academic or professional tracks in upper secondary, with professional tracks preparing students both for employment and admission into tertiary education. These reforms, though welcome, are slow to take hold, and most students currently attend a general academic track.
Education is prioritized in Ukraine, as evident by government spending. Ukraine spends 6% of its GDP on education, however these funds are unevenly distributed between metropolitan and rural areas. Schools in more rural areas, while maintaining low student to teacher ratios, often lack modern facilities, equipment, and textbooks.
Elementary students are taught primarily in their regional language, which may include Polish or Russian, depending on the geography of the region, through grade 4, when instruction continues on exclusively in Ukrainian.
U.S. Educator Implications:
Due to the conflict and resulting annexation of Crimea in 2014, as well as the more recent invasion by Russia, in 2022, over 750 schools, primarily in the eastern region have closed, causing disrupted education for students. The multiple conflicts, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to an entire generation of students that may have interrupted formal education (UN News, 2022)
The recent conflicts in Ukraine have likely led to traumatic experiences for some students. Connecting students and families to school counselors as well as social supports will be key in easing transitions.
While the education reforms of 2018 address inclusive education, the education of students with disabilities still lags behind the U.S. in terms of identification and inclusivity, especially in rural areas (UNICEF, 2022). Students may therefore arrive unidentified as special needs learners, and require placement testing in their native language.
It is common practice in Ukraine for families to give gifts or bribes to teachers and school personnel for favors such as placement with a certain teacher or admission to a certain school. Educators should follow ethical guidelines and politely decline such offers.
Strategies for Transition
Resources
Education law in Ukraine: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/463-20#Text
Education reform: https://mon.gov.ua/storage/app/media/zagalna%20serednya/Book-ENG.pdf
WENR: https://wenr.wes.org/2019/06/education-in-ukraine
UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/en/education-programme
