Thoughts on Amending China's "Vocational Education Law"

Overview & Synopsis

An analysis of China's existing "Vocational Education Law" finds that it does not focus entirely on human development or career advancement, nor does it fully reflect the special requirements of vocational education. It does not align the obligations, rights, and liabilities of vocational education stakeholders. The law does not specify the government agencies for its supervision and enforcement. Its terminology is neither standardized nor mandatory, resulting in language with uncertain connotations that lacks solemnity. Based on these observations, this article contains suggestions for amending the current "Vocational Education Law," to place it on track with China's guiding ideologies of "putting people first" and "improving the people's livelihood." Specific provisions should be included to reflect the special characteristics of vocational education, clarify the obligations, rights, and liabilities of vocational education stakeholders, specify the law's supervision and enforcement agencies, and provide for an enforcement system. Available legislative technology should be used to make timely amendments to the "Vocational Education Law." [Translated by Michelle LeSourd.]