1984 Educational Policy in China: Economic Interrelationships.

Overview & Synopsis

China continues, in the 1980's to try to return its educational policy to the balance between academics and ideological work and study that existed prior to the cultural revolution. It also plans to expand colleges and postgraduate education. This change has meant a return of the key demonstration schools at every level from primary to university and a return of educational options for graduating middle school students. In order to accomplish these goals, plans for education have been integrated into larger economic goals. Changes in the economy designed to stimulate modernization and an expanded gross national product have been encouraged. As part of the integration of the economy and the educational system, vocational education has been stressed. The present educational system begins with primary school, which lasts five years and enrolls almost all children. Following this are junior and senior middle schools, which provide university preparation for the best students and vocational training for the vast majority. The present five-year plan for education includes increasing college enrollment, expanding nontraditional forms of education (such as correspondence classes), and establishing new colleges. (IS)