By Zong Fangyu, "Improving the Quality and Level of Basic Education in China" research group, Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC)

Research Report No 95, 2014 (Total 4594)

Abstract:

Balanced education is the cornerstone of a harmonious society, and balanced development of compulsory education is the beginning. As an important issue concerning people's livelihood, making sure that all citizens can enjoy equal and good quality education from the start remains a major task for China's education undertakings.

In order to promote balanced development in compulsory education, the city of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, gives attention to four factors: school conditions, faculties, students and education. It is also focused on four systems of government liability, education fund management, resource sharing and educational evaluation -- to facilitate both urban and rural education development in a balanced way.

This report is a summary of Suzhou's experience in promoting balanced development of compulsory education. It offers policies and suggestions on balanced compulsory education nationwide.