BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- China’s national college entrance exam, or gaokao, is one of the biggest concerns for students and parents. It determines the path, if any, to higher education, and has been under constant criticism for exerting too much pressure. Shanghai is a pilot region for implementing new programs, and authorities there have just released a detailed reform plan.
A brand new start. Kong Yiwen is in her first year of high school. For the next three years, she and her classmates will be taught in new programs. It’s part of reforms that Shanghai is introducing for college admissions in 2017. One significant change is that admission will no longer rely solely on the national entrance exam, or gaokao.
High school academic tests and a comprehensive evaluation will also be given weight. And the "gaokao" will be taken throughout the years rather than in just two days.
High school students will no longer be divided into humanities and sciences tracks, and will be able to sit the English test twice and choose the higher score.
According to the Education Ministry, this round of gaokao reforms are intended to ease pressure, promote fairness and a more conducive environment for harnessing talent in China. While the changes have just been enacted, it will take many years to see if these can be realized for millions of students and their anxious families.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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