One elementary case of success

Beijing resident Frank Cai sent his daughter to an elementary school in the US in 2005, while he was studying for a doctorate in American Studies at the University of Kansas.

"The strongest impression US education left on me is that it's very personalized and student-oriented," Cai, a college teacher, said.

He recalled that when his daughter, who he preferred not to name publicly, was in the third grade, her teachers realized that she was highly intelligent. They invited her to join a special education program in which each student was provided with tailored courses and guidance in tune with their personalities and academic strengths to better cultivate their talent.