DIAGNOSTIC REPORT

The final report on the first phase (2013) of the “Development of the strategic directions for education reform in Kazakh- stan for 2015-2020” project was implemented by the Graduate School of Education at Nazarbayev University on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The purpose of this research is to conduct a diagnosis of the education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the educational system and the subsequent identification of areas for further modernization at each level

DIAGNOSTIC REPORT

The final report on the first phase (2013) of the “Development of the strategic directions for education reform in Kazakh- stan for 2015-2020” project was implemented by the Graduate School of Education at Nazarbayev University on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The purpose of this research is to conduct a diagnosis of the education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the educational system and the subsequent identification of areas for further modernization at each level

University Governance Reforms in Kazakhstan

This article depicts the country’s efforts to loose centralized state control and grant more autonomy to higher education institutions. It explains the rationale for these reforms and how the traditional structure and individual actors in university governance have shaped the context and culture of the educational landscape. The author discusses evolution of corporate governance implementation and provides analysis of both the challenges of the process and positive developments resulting from it. He argues that lessons learned from Kazakhstan’s reform might be instrumental for other countries sharing the legacy of the soviet governance system.

Research Project: Advancing Models of Best Practice in Academic Governance and Management in Higher Education Institutions in Kazakhstan

In the course of implementation of the research project entitled “Advancing Models of Best Practice in Academic Governance and Management in Higher Education Institutions in Kazakhstan” in 2014-2016 (carried by Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education and the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education), the research team developed two teaching cases that illustrate the challenges of implementing governance reform and promoting innovation in Kazakhstan. The cases can be used as exemplary practice. They can facilitate the discussion at a conference or in a workshop for senior managers or prospective managers in higher education. They can also be used by policy makers to understand higher education’s challenges. Furthermore, they can serve as an effective classroom tool for university students in social sciences to brainstorm solutions to a certain situation and to polish their decision-making skills. Each case includes a briefing document which offers the discussion leader some analysis and questions to explore