In post-Communist Russia, schools have become the site where a new culture and morality will be formed. With the collapse of the rigidly controlled Russian school system, a new paradigm must be created to guide education. To many, a political and ethical void exists in Russian schools. Until 1988, schools in the Soviet Union operated under a single educational program that was often subjected to the periodic reforms of new leaders. In the post-Communist era, it is clear that educational change was needed at all levels. Differentiation in school curricula was adopted, and arts, humanities, and social and physical sciences are being given more attention. The 1992 reform legislation "The Law on Education" encompassed some of these changes. The law stresses the humanistic character of education, common human values, freedom in human development, and citizenship. Pluralism and democracy in educational management and the autonomy of educational institutions are also emphasized. Another document, "The Basic Curriculum of the General Secondary School," reinforces the same changes and stresses choice in curriculum. Under these changes, new attitudes and beliefs about economics, business, and history are also forming. (Contains 12 references.) (JPT)