Government and Policy

China sets up consulting commitee for educational reform

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-18 22:13

BEIJING - China on Thursday set up its first-ever national education consulting committee in a bid to improve reform policies amid surging demand for "fair and good education".

The committee's main function was to give advice on the pilot programs of China's educational reform, which included increasing government investment and reforming college entrance examination, according to Minister of Education Yuan Guiren.

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Yuan said the 64 members in the committee were based on "careful consideration and selection" over the past few months.

Selected from 100 candidates, the 64 consulting members, with an average age of 63, include former school principals, national lawmakers, political advisors and academicians.

"Our work will be conducted in various ways, such as inspecting different regions, collecting people's opinions, giving instructions and coordinating other departments," said member Tao Xiping, who is also chairman of the Chinese Association for Non-Government Education.

"That will help keep the reform on track and effective," said Tao.

The move is based on a proposal in the "Outline of China's National Plan for Medium and Long-Term Education Reform and Development (2010-2020)", which was released in July.

"The committee grouped a team of experienced experts who care about and are passionate about education. Their advice will make sure that our education policies are more scientific and can fully reflect demand," said Yuan Zhenguo, director of the China National Institute for Educational Research.