「经济发展」白重恩等：从教育大国到教育强国——增加高质量教育供给的两个抓手和一个牵引

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the urgent need to enhance the supply of high-quality education in China to address educational anxiety and inequality, which are increasingly becoming social issues. It advocates for a dual approach focusing on higher education and early childhood education, supported by a robust quality assessment system to drive reforms [3][4][5]. Group 1: Current Situation of Higher Education - China's higher education system has grown to be the largest globally, with a gross enrollment rate surpassing 60% by 2023, yet the supply of quality institutions remains limited and unevenly distributed [6][7]. - The admission rates for prestigious universities are low, with only 1.6% for "985" universities and 5.0% for "211" universities, indicating fierce competition and a significant gap between demand and supply [6][7][15]. - The demand for quality higher education is rising sharply due to increased family income and the perceived return on investment from prestigious institutions, with graduates from "211" universities earning 26% more than their peers from non-"211" institutions [8][9]. Group 2: Challenges in Higher Education Supply - The current higher education system suffers from a lack of diversity in both the number and types of institutions, leading to a homogenized educational experience that does not cater to varied market demands [10][12][13]. - Educational resources are heavily concentrated in top-tier institutions, which receive 70%-80% of funding, exacerbating regional disparities and limiting access for students from lower-income backgrounds [15][17]. - The admission opportunities for rural students are significantly lower compared to urban counterparts, with rural students having only a 1/11 chance of entering "211" universities [17][19]. Group 3: Proposed Solutions and Benefits - The article suggests increasing the supply of high-quality higher education as a means to alleviate educational competition and anxiety, thereby fostering a more innovative and diverse educational environment [25][29][30]. - Expanding the number of quality institutions is expected to improve talent cultivation, enhance international competitiveness, and address educational equity by providing more opportunities for underrepresented groups [31][32][33]. - The proposed reforms are seen as a multi-faceted solution that not only addresses immediate educational needs but also contributes to long-term economic and social benefits, including increased birth rates by reducing educational pressures on families [33][34]. Group 4: Early Childhood Education - The article highlights the significant burden of early childhood education costs on families, with expenditures often exceeding 10% of household income, which is higher than the acceptable threshold in many countries [46][47]. - There is a structural imbalance in early childhood education, where demand exists but institutions struggle to fill spots due to high costs, primarily in the private sector [48]. - The government is urged to invest in universal access to quality early childhood education to ensure equitable opportunities for all children, laying a foundation for future educational success [44][45].