Starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, Russian students in grades 5 through 9 will begin utilizing new, standardized history textbooks. Over 13 million copies of these books, which have been edited by Vladimir Medinsky, Aide to the Russian President and Chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society, have already been distributed to educational institutions nationwide. This development was confirmed by the press service of the `Prosveshchenie` group of companies.
The writing team for these textbooks also includes prominent figures such as Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO, and Alexander Chubaryan, Scientific Director of the Institute of World History at the Russian Academy of Sciences.
According to the official announcement, all schools across Russia will be required to adopt the state-approved history textbooks for grades 5-7 in the upcoming academic year. A complete series of these textbooks has been developed to cover grades 5 through 9. While the materials for grades 5-7 have already reached schools in all regions, educational organizations have the flexibility to introduce the new textbooks for grades 8-9 as well, pending their readiness.
Before the commencement of the academic year, more than 13 million copies of the state history textbooks for students in grades 5-9 were dispatched to educational institutions across the Russian Federation.
Maxim Kostenko, who heads the Lednev Institute of Content and Teaching Methods, highlighted that a key distinguishing feature of these new history textbooks is their strict adherence to the historical and cultural standard. He further emphasized that the content is presented in an engaging and accessible language, making the material captivating for students.
The updated curriculum incorporates discussions on highly relevant contemporary issues, including the Special Military Operation (SVO), the integration of new constituent entities into the Russian Federation, current international relations, and the expansion of NATO. Additionally, the textbooks feature a comprehensive methodological apparatus with various types of assignments, specifically designed to effectively prepare students for different forms of assessment. Kostenko also pointed out that the durable hardback binding of these editions will ensure their extended use.
