Anatoliy Tsirulnikov - Doctor of Sciences in Pedagogy, Professor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Education; Chief Research Associate and Exploratory Research Manager, Federal Institute for Education Development under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. Address: 9/1 Chernyakhovskogo str., 129319 Moscow, Russian Federation. E-mail: atsirulnik@mail.ru

The key features of sociocultural modernization of education (SCME) and its distinction from technocratic modernization are examined here. The tools and the main principles of sociocultural education development techniques are disclosed. The experience and results of introducing SCME in the Northern economic region are described. We also provide an insight into the sociocultural projects implemented in the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, where education is considered to be a tool for solving sociocultural problems of local communities and advancing regional development. Finally, we evaluate the risks of bringing sociocultural modernization to an education system, the prospects and opportunities of promoting SCME in Russia.

sociocultural approach to education development, sociocultural modernization of education, sociocultural strategies, sociocultural education projects.