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.
DOCUMENT No. 2
Decree of the Workers' and Peasants' Government
Provision for the Organization of Popular Education in the Russian
Socialist Soviet Republic.
1. General direction of work connected with popular education in the Russian Federated Socialist Soviet Republic is entrusted to a State Commission of Education, whose chairman is the People's Commissaire of Education.
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