Russian Schools Could Expel Students for Unsatisfactory Behavior Grades
The introduction of behavior grades is set to be rolled out nationwide in Russian schools by 2026.
Schools are to be given the right to expel students for an unsatisfactory grade in behavior if it is not corrected. The head of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights, Valery Fadeev, has spoken in favor of developing a mechanism for such expulsion.
«The question is whether we will strive to ensure that the school can expel such a hooligan. I believe yes. There are few such young people, but they have a very strong influence on the public environment, on the attitude towards the teaching community, towards teachers,» Fadeev is quoted by TASS.
Theoretically, schools today have the opportunity to expel a hooligan who does not cooperate in any way and does not correct his behavior. But in fact, as Fadeev says, this almost never happens. At the same time, discussions are ongoing around the new grades. Experts argue, for example, about whether they should affect university admissions.
«My position is that first and foremost, an unsatisfactory grade for behavior should protect the teacher. This is the main task that, in fact, we discussed with the President of Russia, how to protect the teacher from insults, from attacks, from lesson disruptions,» Fadeev said. However, he emphasized that no one should expel teenagers for minor offenses. Expulsion should occur only in «the most extreme cases.»
Today, the pedagogical and parental communities advocate for a three-level system of behavior grades. That is, «exemplary behavior,» «acceptable behavior,» and «unacceptable.» Fadeev also supports such a model.
Currently, schoolchildren in seven regions of the country receive grades for behavior. However, from September 1, 2026, this will start working in all schools in Russia. Details are provided in a separate article.
