Abstract:

The study examines the global challenge of educational inequality among rural schoolchildren, with a focus on Kazakhstan's innovative approach to identifying and nurturing gifted students in rural areas through the annual "Myn bala" Olympiad. This nationwide event engages over 60,000 6th-grade students from rural schools, providing a unique dataset for analysis. Our research aims to identify which rural schools offer greater opportunities for students to demonstrate exceptional abilities, delving into the factors that contribute to educational inequality on both individual and institutional levels.

Employing statistical modeling methods, including regression analysis and spatial analysis, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms perpetuating educational disparities. This research contributes significantly to the academic and practical discourse on rural education, offering insights into the complexities and potential strategies for fostering talent in rural school settings. The findings not only illuminate the situation in Kazakhstan but also have broader implications for similar educational environments globally.