Education and Art in Soviet Russia/Document 1
DOCUMENT No. 1
Circular of the People’s Commissaire of Education to All
Regional Commissioners of Education
On the 25th of October, 1917, the entire state power was taken over by the Government of Workers and Peasants. The latter has given over all the Ministries to the People’s Commissaires, The Ministries are re-named People’s Commissariats.
The following Departments of the People's Commissariats of Education have been organized:
1. Universal compulsory education.
2. Autonomy of colleges and universities.
3. Ministerial schools, (until they are transferred to municipalities).
4. Municipal public schools.
5. Kindergarten education and children's aid.
6. Home education and people's universities.
7. Aid to independent school organizations.
8. Scientific Department.
9. Art Departments.
10. Experimental pedagogy and school medicine and hygiene.
11. Financial Department.
12. Technical schools and polytechnical education.
13. Preparation of a teaching staff.
14. Construction of new schools.
15. Department of Literature and Publishing.
16. Statistical Department.
17. Organization Department.
In view of the above, you are instructed to proceed with the work with which you are charged in regard to public education. When doubts and difficulties arise in the performance of your duties, you will apply for instructions and explanations to the People’s Commissariat of Education.
It is hereby decreed that all those who wilfully, and without notice, cease to perform their duties, or in any way try to disorganize the work of education, will be dismissed immediately.
People's Commissaire of Education: A. V. Lunacharsky.
Secretary: Dm. Letshenko.
Published in the organ of the Provisional Workers' and Peasants Government, No, 21, December 24th, 1917.
(Note: Each decree of the Soviet of Workers and Peasants becomes effective and must be enforced upon its publication in the official organ of the government.)
As the above circular is dated Dec. 24, 1917, it is apparent that within two months after their accession to power, the Soviet had already outlined an extensive educational program. The next Document (No. 2) is a detailed statement of the various functions of the educational departments of the geographical units of the Soviet Republic, in the form of a decree; and of their mutual responsibilities.