Education and Art in Soviet Russia
Being a Set of Important Decrees and Documents Published
in Russia, with a Few Explanatory Remarks for
American Readers
With a Foreword by Max Eastman
I. The Organization of the Educational System
After the installation of proletarian dictatorship in Russia, following the proletarian revolution of November 7, 1917, (October 25, old style), all branches of the government were of course reorganized on the basis of the new source from which the government derived its power. The application of this process of transformation to the Department of Education is announced in the following Document (No. 1), issued by the newly appointed People’s Commissaire of Education, A. V. Lunacharsky, one of the most distinguished publicists and scholars of Russia:
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.
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