Penza, 3 August 2011. PenzaNews. Near about 500 children will go into the first class in Zarechny of the Penza region in 2011. According to the chief specialist of the city department of education Irina Kulemina, the quantity of first-graders has grown by 55 persons in comparison with the last year.

"Irina Kulemina said: Since 2011 new federal standards of education are introduced. The role of upbringing and abilities to study increased. Child's independence, ability to choose a career and to put and achieve the goal will be developed".

Besides, since September, 1st new sanitary standard come into force which establish limiting number of pupils in a class at level of 25 persons.

Irina Kulemina said: "The quantity and duration of the lessons changes. Earlier the lesson in the first class lasted for 35 minutes during a year, now it will be only in the first half of the year. From the second half of the year first-graders will study as all other grades".

She said in the interview to broadcasting company of Zarechny that in accordance with the new rules children who visit a group of the prolonged day will sleep during the lunchtime not less than 1 hour.