Abstract: in this article, the authors consider educational policy as one of the areas of social policy of the state. The purpose of the study is to streamline various approaches to the definition of the concept of “educational policy” and to highlight its main elements. A deep theoretical study of these issues is also necessary for practical activities: it is necessary that all elements of educational policy be properly regulated.
Social policy is considered by the authors as the activity of social institutions (state and non-state) aimed at improving the quality of life of people and developing a particular sphere of social activity. At the same time, the state educational policy, being part of social policy, has the following characteristics: it always represents activities in the field of education; it always has its own goal, which determines the conduct of certain actions in the field of education; it is always developed and implemented by authorized entities.
The authors highlight the following main elements of educational policy in the Russian Federation: subjects, objects, purpose and principles of educational policy. At the same time, the authors separately note that the priority goals of educational policy should be internal, not external.
The conclusion of the article concludes that the selected elements of educational policy are interconnected, and the implementation of educational policy requires their mandatory inclusion and regulatory regulation.
Keywords: social policy, education, education policy, educational policy, elements of educational policy, goals of educational policy, system approach