School autonomy as a form of privatization in public schooling in post-Soviet republics of Central Asia—Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan

Abstract

This chapter offers a comprehensive empirical analysis of school autonomy in the post-Soviet Central Asian states of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with a specific focus on two key dimensions: financial resource management and fundraising autonomy. The research draws from a multifaceted methodology, incorporating surveys, in-depth interviews, and legislative analysis to provide a holistic view of the educational landscape in these countries. The findings of the analysis shed light on a noteworthy trend: these nations have experienced a limited but discernible degree of privatization, particularly in the realms of financial resource management and fundraising autonomy. This transformation is closely linked to the evolving role of the central government, which has seen a decline in fiscal and bureaucratic capacity. As a result, the chapter highlights the significant shift in decision-making and managerial authority, as it increasingly moves to the school level. This shift in educational governance reflects a dynamic and evolving landscape in the field of education within these post-Soviet Central Asian states.