Economic and political issues in Kazakstan (and most former Soviet republics) are clear barriers to achieving the schools and programs envisioned during the 1980s. Reform costs were underestimated, and educational fiscal crises are severe. Kazakstan cannot afford to heat school buildings, much less buy equipment. Secondary schools suffer from two curricular problems: the need to refocus schooling content and to decentralize curriculum planning. (41 references) (MLH)