义务教育年限要延长了！学前还是高中？影响几何？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant educational reform in China, proposing to extend the compulsory education period, which has sparked discussions among experts and the public [1][2]. Group 1: Reasons for Reform - The global trend is moving towards extending compulsory education, with 55.6% of countries having compulsory education lasting more than 9 years as of 2018 [1]. - Finland has increased the compulsory education age from 16 to 18, covering the entire high school stage, aiming to support vulnerable groups who need help [1]. Group 2: Current Status in China - China has a gross enrollment rate of 92% for both preschool education and high school, indicating a solid foundation for extending compulsory education [2]. - Some regions, like Zhuhai in Guangdong, have already experimented with extending compulsory education by waiving high school fees since 2007, primarily funded by local finances [2]. Group 3: Financial Mechanism - The central government has initiated a policy where all kindergarten students in their final year are exempt from fees, benefiting 12 million children [2]. - The financial burden for economically disadvantaged areas is now shared, with the central government covering 80% of costs, ensuring sustainable implementation of the policy nationwide [2]. Group 4: Expert Opinions - Experts have differing views on whether to extend compulsory education to preschool or high school, with some advocating for the former while cautioning against rushing the process [2]. Group 5: Quality of Education - The reform aims not only to extend the duration of education but also to enhance the quality, focusing on equitable and high-quality education for all [3]. - The shift from merely having access to education to ensuring quality education is crucial for transforming China's demographic dividend into a talent dividend [3]. - The reform is seen as a systemic project to elevate China from an education power to an education stronghold, ensuring every child receives suitable quality education [3].