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January 7, 2009

Russian educators visit Newcomb

Students treated individually, Russian teachers note

By ALVIN REINER

NEWCOMB — The cold climate and warm North Country hospitality made a group of Russian educators feel right at home during a week in the Adirondacks.

The educators were sponsored by the Open World Program, which enables Eurasian elected officials, political candidates and emerging political, economic and civic leaders to observe the American democratic system firsthand.

Open World brings groups of about four to five participants, accompanied by a facilitator, for 10-day, theme-based visits to the United States.

COMMUNICATION
Valentina Vishnyaakova is the deputy director for teaching and education in Luchegorsk and supervises 15 schools.

"I am very impressed with the teaching and professionalism and how they treat every child individually," she said of American schools.

"In Russia, we are more strict. It prevents us from getting knowledge. Things I will take back and tell colleagues are how to communicate with pupils and ways to use new technology.

"I also like how students are divided in small groups to learn."

FREEDOM
Konstantin Ovsyannikov is the principal at a secondary school in Novosibirsk. He noted that North Country schools have the luxury of "snow days," while in Novosibirsk it may snow for weeks.

As far as his observations in Newcomb are concerned, Ovsyannikov felt the school was "very home-like and warm. There is wonderful technological equipment. Also the Russian schools are more centralized on the federal level and have a lot less freedom."

Ovsyannikov's school has about 620 students from first to 12th grades, with an average of 25 per classroom.

Classes are formed in the first grade, utilizing parental input, and the students stay together through the grades.

Parents can decide which school within the city they want their children to attend.

Among the extra-curricular sports are basketball, volleyball, power lifting, wrestling and martial arts.

TREATED WITH CARE
Irina Tabakirova is the principal of a secondary school in Abakan.

"What is impressive is each district is autonomous," Tabakirova said. "I am impressed with the community and school and how they cooperate. The atmosphere is special — how the children are treated with care and respect — and the children can express themselves with their artwork. Everything is made for the child, like the pillows in the library."

Olga Durova directs a secondary school in Novoagansk, serves on the town's board and is the head of its commission on budget, taxes and finance. She said the Russian Federation makes the overall education plan, though teachers have leeway in devising how to teach, much like in the United States.

Durova seemed impressed with the modern technology afforded the students and teachers. Her school was constructed in 1918 and has become "shabbier every year," she said. A new school is being planned.

"There is much more freedom since the Soviet government, but we still have the federation tell us. When we teach history, there are many personal views. It's a delicate subject."

FUTURE BONDS
Newcomb Superintendent Clark "Skip" Hults said meeting the Russian delegates "was one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of my career.

"I must admit that perhaps I had stereotyped Russians as stern and boring but found them to be the exact opposite. They were warm, caring and had a wonderful sense of humor. They seemed to truly enjoy our school and the people.

"We have already made plans to continue our relationship," he added.

Before the Russians left, they wrote personal notes to each of the students in the junior and senior high. Newcomb has a teacher fluent in Russian, who is able to translate for the students.

"I can tell you there were tears by both delegates and host families," Hults said. "It is hard to believe that such close bonds could be developed so quickly."

E-mail Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@yahoo.com

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