In a recent interview, we explored the key themes from President Xi Jinping’s significant speech at the National Education Conference, particularly focusing on the importance of a people-centered approach to enhance public education services.
President Xi emphasized that the modernization of China fundamentally places the well-being of its citizens at the forefront. He highlighted the necessity for educational reforms to be inclusive and accessible, striving to ensure that the benefits of educational development are distributed fairly across all social strata. His remarks reflect a genuine commitment to establishing an education system that resonates with the aspirations of the populace, underscoring the pathway to achieving educational equity.
As we seek to optimize the distribution of educational resources in various regions, advancing quality and equitable development in compulsory education becomes paramount. This entails closing the gaps between urban and rural education, addressing disparities across different regions, and catering to diverse demographic groups. Education symbolizes the hopes of families striving for a better future. The achievements of China’s education system in recent years have been remarkable, positioning the country as home to the largest and highest-quality education system in the world, achieving or even surpassing average metrics found in upper-middle-income countries. However, there is a growing public demand not only for access to education but also for quality.
Given trends such as new urbanization and industrialization, along with demographic shifts like declining birth rates and an aging population, there’s an urgent need to refine the allocation of educational resources. This necessitates the establishment of a foundational public education service supply mechanism that corresponds to population changes. We must ensure that every child receives equitable and high-quality education, equipping them to grow, contribute to society, and enhance community well-being.
Continuing to reinforce the accomplishments of the “double reduction” policy is equally critical. This initiative aims to relieve unnecessary burdens on students, which is essential for promoting positive shifts in educational perspectives. Improving classroom teaching standards and the quality of after-school services is vital. By optimizing teaching methods, enhancing management practices, utilizing technology, and refining assignment design and evaluation, we can ensure that teachers effectively deliver knowledge and that students actively engage in their learning.
Additionally, strengthening after-school services is crucial, creating an integrated support system that meets the individual learning needs of students.
Implementing the national education digital strategy is vital for expanding access to quality educational resources and enhancing public services for lifelong learning. Digital education represents a significant leap forward in advancing educational modernization, facilitating personalized and lifelong learning opportunities. The acceleration of educational digitalization is not only a crucial requirement for providing satisfactory education but also an essential path toward promoting equity in education.
As we work to build a robust educational system, it is essential to internalize President Xi’s speech, aligning it with the values connected to becoming an educational powerhouse and addressing the public’s pressing concerns about education. Through collaborative efforts, we can establish a solid foundation for the happiness and well-being of our people through education.
