Education in Iran

Iran's educational system comprises many schools and universities scattered throughout the country.

Kindergarten in Iran, also mandatory, begins at the age of 5 for 1-year duration. Primary school ("Dabestan") starts at the age of 6 for a duration of 5 years. Middle school, also known as orientation cycle ("Rahnamayi"), goes from the sixth to the eighth grade. High school ("Dabirestan"), for which the last three years is not mandatory, is divided between theoretical, vocational/technical and manual, each program with its own specialties. Universities, institutes of technology, medical schools and community colleges, provide the higher education. The requirement to enter into higher education is to have a High school diploma, followed by a one-year preparation class, and finally pass the national University entrance's exam. Higher education is sanctioned by different levels of diplomas: "Fogh-Diplom" or "Kardani" (equivalent to a Baccalaureate in technical engineering) after 2 years of higher education, "Karshenasi" (also known under the name “licence”) is delivered after 4 years of higher education (Bachelor's degree). "Fogh Licence" is delivered after 2 more years of study (Master's degree). After which, another exam allows the candidate to pursue a doctoral program (PhD).

History of education in Iran

Modern education

The first Western-style public schools were established by Haj-Mirza Hassan Roshdieh.

There are both free public schools and private schools in Iran at all levels, from elementary school through university. At the university level, however, every student attending public schools is required to commit to serve the government for a number of years typically equivalent to those spent at the university, or pay it off for a very low price (typically a few hundred dollars). During the early 1970s, efforts were made to improve the educational system by updating school curricula, introducing modern textbooks, and training more efficient teachers.

The 1979 revolution continued the country's emphasis on education, but Khomeini's regime put its own stamp on the process. The most important change was the Islamization of the education system. All students were segregated by sex. In 1980, the Cultural Revolution Committee was formed to oversee the institution of Islamic values in education. An arm of the committee, the Center for Textbooks (composed mainly of clerics), produced 3,000 new college-level textbooks reflecting Islamic views by 1983. Teaching materials based on Islam were introduced into the primary grades within six months of the revolution.

Higher education

"See main articles:"
*"List of universities in Iran"
*"Higher education in Iran"

Iranian universities churn out almost 750,000 skilled graduates annually.

The tradition of university education in Iran goes back to the early centuries of Islam. By the 20th century, however, the system had become antiquated and was remodeled along French lines. The country's 16 universities were closed after the 1979 revolution and were then reopened gradually between 1982 and 1983 under Islamic supervision.

While the universities were closed, the Cultural Revolution Committee investigated professors and teachers and dismissed those who were believers in Marxism, liberalism, and other "imperialistic" ideologies. The universities reopened with Islamic curricula. In 1997, all higher-level institutions had 40,477 teachers and enrolled 579,070 students. The University of Tehran (founded in 1934) has 10 faculties, including a department of Islamic theology. Other major universities are at Tabriz, Mashhad, Ahvaz, Shiraz, Esfahan, Kerman, Babol Sar, Rasht, and Orumiyeh. There are about 50 colleges and 40 technological institutes.

chools for Gifted Children

The National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET), also known as SAMPAD (سمپاد), maintains Middle and High Schools in Iran. These schools were shut down for a few years after the revolution, but later re-opened. Admittance is based on an entrance examination, and is very competitive, especially in Tehran.Their tuition is similar to private schools, but may be partially or fully waived off depending on the students financial condition.Some nodet alumni are world leading scientists.

Organization for Educational Research and Planning (OERP)

OERP is a government affiliated, scientific, learning organization. It has qualitative and knowledge-based curricula consistent with the scientific and research findings, technological, national identity, Islamic and cultural values.

OERP's Responsibilities:

1. To research on the content of the educational,
2. To study and develop simple methods for examinations and educational assessments,
3. To write, edit and print text-books,
4. To identify and provide educational tools and the list of standards for educational tools and equipments,
5. To run pure research on improving the quality and quantity of education,
6. To perform other responsibilities issued by the OERP Council.

Prominent high schools in Iran: historical and current

*Alborz High School
*Allameh Helli High Schools (Nodet)
*Farzanegan High Schools (Nodet)
*Energy Atomi High School (OTN)
*Salam High Schools (OTN)
*Firouz Bahram High School
*Hadaf No.3 High School
*Nikan High School
*Razi High School
*Allameh Tabatabaei High School…

tatistics

According to the CIA World Factbook, from information collected in 2003,85.6% of males and 73% of females over the age of 15 are literate, thus 79.4% of the population is literate.

Literacy training has been a prime concern in Iran. For the year 2000, adult illiteracy rates were estimated at 23.1% (males, 16.3%; females, 30.0%). A "literacy corps" was established in 1963 to send educated conscripts to villages. During its first 10 years, the corps helped 2.2 million urban children and 600,000 adults become literate. In 1997, there were 9,238,393 pupils enrolled in 63,101 primary schools, with 298,755 teachers. The student-to-teacher ratio stood at 31 to 1. In that same year, secondary schools had 8,776,792 students and 280,309 teachers. The pupil-teacher ratio at the primary level was 26 to 1 in 1999. In the same year, 83% of primary-school-age children were enrolled in school. As of 1999, public expenditure on education was estimated at 4.6% of GDP (not budget). In 2007, a majority of students enrolled in Iranian universities were women.

ee also

* Science and technology in Iran
* List of Iranian Research Centers
* Darolfonoon
* Modern Iranian scientists, scholars, and engineers
* Economy of Iran
* Hassan Roshdieh
* Iranian people
* Nodet

External links

* [http://213.176.19.4/medu/index.aspx Ministry of Education website]
* [http://www.mohme.gov.ir Ministry of Health and Medical Education - Iran]
* [http://www.austrade.gov.au/Education-and-training-to-Iran/default.aspx Education & Training in Iran - Australian Trade]
* [http://www.sci.org.ir/portal/faces/public/sci_en/ Statistical center of Iran]
* [http://oerp.medu.ir OERP's official website]