DEVELOPMENT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN RUSSIA. PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

The article is devoted to the reforming process in the Russian educational system in order to improve its' effectiveness and competitiveness both in Russian and international educational space. The adoption of the new technological principles of education, including eLearning and implementation of the Bologna process and norms are now crucial in forming the Russian governmental course towards educational policy. Development of continuing education in Russia is another strategic task. Technological progress in the XXI century has a rapid tempo. In this connection, the improvement of productivity in industry, quality of service in the service sphere and preparation of the highly-qualified fond of specialists are closely related to the quality of education and professional retraining. The ability of the country to follow this challenge acquires a specific relevance. Russian Federation is a highly developed industrial country with reach knowledge potential and a huge list of highest technologies, established in our country. But if Russia (as well as any other country) wants to keep its technological level and follow the direction of the social and economical growth, it should take into consideration the issue of reforming of the national educational system, which meets the contemporary challenges of the post-industrial society. And the high level of the continuing education together with lifelong learning seems to be the most efficient instrument to grant the achievement of this strategic long-termed goal.