From Chinese Press

Chance to reform education

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-10 09:30

The number of students taking the National College Entrance Exam has fallen this year, providing a good opportunity to the government to institute educational reform, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpts:

The National College Entrance Exam has for long been the focus of the country's education system. This year it is in focus for an altogether different reason: fewer students taking the exam.

This gives a good opportunity to the government to begin educational reform. Fewer examinees this year have created new challenges for universities, which should take new measures. For example, the key universities in developed provinces should admit more students from not-so-developed provinces and regions in order to bring a sense of fairness in higher education.

Unfortunately, neither government departments nor the universities have paid enough attention to reform. On the contrary, the Ministry of Education refused to announce some crucial data, like the number of students who opted not to take the exam. Without enough transparency, it would be impossible to reform the education system.

(China Daily 06/10/2010 page9)