NGO ideas considered for exam reform

China probably has a longer history of examinations for prestige positions than any country in the world.

Now the government will consider a proposal put forward by a non-government organization to reform the country’s national university entrance exam system.

The proposal, the first of its kind in the country, was announced on July 18 by the 21st Century Education Development Research Institute, a non-government and non-profitable organization.

The Beijing Morning Post quoted the spokesperson as saying, ‘The Ministry of Education appreciates the efforts made by the research institute for university entrance exam reform, and will take into consideration this proposal and opinions from various walks of life. But the reform will proceed in a gradual manner and cannot be completed overnight.’ Thus speaks a true civil servant.

Yang Dongping, director of 21st Century Education Development Research Institute, said, ‘The national university entrance exam needs reform, and we hope the government can consider our proposal and welcome more people from various circles to voice their opinions’.

According to the 10-article proposal, a multi-evaluation system for students’ overall capability should be established, based on the national university entrance exam, students’ scores at senior high schools and extra-curriculum performance.
Source: China.org.cn