I believe strongly in Russian scales - now in 10ths too.

[mrcreosote]

The 10's occurred to me after watching how violinists practice their octaves and tenths.

There is no doubt that contrary motion adds to one's "knowledge" of scales.  Adding intervals, more so.  The contrary motion 10ths really exercise the brain.

I'm guessing this is nothing new, but to hear students not being made to learn Russian scales is surprising. 

A young Itzhak Perlman was asked to play informally for Heifetz.  The first thing Heifetz asked him to play was scales.  It turned out Itzhak had learned his scales fluently so he impressed Heifetz.

[dorihunt]

I agree.  The Russian are much more challenging.  Nonetheless, I am grateful my teacher made  me learn them.  I learned from the Alexander Peskanov book, Volume I

[mrcreosote]

Did you do 10ths or anything beyond simple contrary motion?