Why such fuss on reform?

Growing up as a student in present-day China can be a protracted ordeal except for those who have an addiction to homework.

From kindergarten on, every kid has to wage an unrelenting battle against an overwhelming flow of homework and exams.

The poor kids complain. So do their parents. As do the education authorities. Our school-age children are overburdened. They should not be deprived of the joy of childhood: There seems to be a consensus that something has to be done to lighten schoolbags.