Education roadmap

The second solicitation of public opinion this year for the "General Guidelines for Medium-and-Long-Term Education Development until 2020" speaks volumes to how important the central government views this document. The guidelines will map out the nation's overall education strategy to overcome its downsides as well as catch up with developed countries.

Although education made great contributions to China's achievements since the restoration of the national college entrance examinations in 1977, equal opportunity of education has yet to be realized for everyone from developed and underdeveloped areas. Quality education is still a target for many colleges to attain.

It is obvious that extensive public opinion, those from the education field in particular, provide food for thought. That is why Premier Wen Jiabao convened five seminars in less than a month from Jan 11 to Feb 6 to discuss issues with teachers, students, parents and experts.