Extend compulsory education period, says expert

By Wan Zhihong (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-03-04 20:02

Extend compulsory education period, says expert

Zheng Gongcheng (L), member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and a professor of Renmin University, talks with China Daily reporter Fu Jing on March 4, 2009, in Beijing. [chinadaily.com.cn]

China should extend the current 9-year compulsory education period to 12 years, said Zheng Gongcheng, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and professor of the Renmin University of China.

It is necessary to make a medium and long-term plan for education reform in accordance with the new trend of domestic and overseas development and the new expectations of the public, he said.

The country's fast and stable economic growth has created conditions for a 12-year compulsory education program, he said.

The current 9-year compulsory education program from primary to junior high school covers over 90 percent of the Chinese population.
 
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