Graduates from Russian-language schools in Estonia perform significantly worse in English state exams compared to their counterparts from Estonian-language schools, with an average score difference of up to 20 points.
In Estonia, a recent examination shows a stark contrast in English language proficiency between graduates of Russian-language schools and those from Estonian-language schools. Russian-speaking students tend to score significantly lower on state English exams, with averages showing discrepancies of up to 20 points. This gap highlights the challenges faced by Russian-speaking students in achieving proficiency in English, a skill increasingly important in today's globalized world.
Experts attribute the lower performance of these students to limited exposure to English-speaking environments outside of school. Many Russian-speaking children do not have the same opportunities to engage with English in a practical context, which can hinder their language development. This lack of immersion in an English-language context contrasts sharply with experiences of their peers from Estonian schools, who are more likely to encounter English in everyday life and culture.
The implications of these findings are significant for language policy in Estonia, as they raise questions about the educational support provided to Russian-speaking students. Addressing this disparity may require innovative curriculum changes and additional resources aimed at enhancing English language instruction in Russian-language schools, as well as encouraging extracurricular activities that promote English language use among these students.
