Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent proposal by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to explore the extension of compulsory education years, highlighting the need for balanced and equitable education as the country strengthens its educational framework [1][3]. Group 1: Extension of Compulsory Education - The proposal to extend compulsory education years is a response to international trends, with a significant increase in countries extending their compulsory education beyond nine years [2][3]. - Statistics from UNESCO show that in 2018, 55.6% of countries had compulsory education years greater than nine, indicating a global shift towards longer educational commitments [3]. Group 2: Implementation and Financial Support - The implementation of free education policies has been gradually expanding, with examples from various regions in China, such as Zhuhai and Shaanxi, where high school tuition has been waived [6][7]. - A significant change in financial support for free preschool education is noted, with the central government covering 50% to 80% of costs, ensuring sustainability across the nation [5][7]. Group 3: Educational Quality and Equity - The article emphasizes the importance of balancing educational quality and equity, with a focus on improving the overall educational environment from preschool to high school [10][11]. - The shift in public expectations from merely having access to education ("having school") to seeking quality education ("having good school") is highlighted as a new demand for the education system [10][11]. Group 4: Diverse Educational Development - The article mentions the need for diverse and specialized development in high school education, rather than solely focusing on university preparation, to reduce academic pressure [11][12]. - Examples from Finland illustrate how extending compulsory education can lead to a more flexible educational pathway, allowing students to choose between general high school and vocational training [11].

21世纪经济报道记者王峰北京报道《中共中央关于制定国民经济和社会发展第十五个五年规划的建议》 （下称《建议》）近日印发。其中，"稳步扩大免费教育范围，探索延长义务教育年限"作为首次出现的 新提法新举措，立刻受到社会高度关注。 1986年制定的义务教育法规定，"国家实行九年义务教育制度。"近年来，发达国家和地区纷纷延长义务 教育年限。随着我国经济和教育实力的增强，探索延长义务教育年限也进入政策视野。 专家指出，虽然我国免费教育范围正有序扩大，但义务教育不仅要求免费，还要求均衡，这意味着延长 义务教育年限必须建立在稳固的基础之上。 延长义务教育是国际趋势 中共中央、国务院印发的《教育强国建设规划纲要（2024－2035年）》指出，到2035年，建成教育强 国。办好义务教育，关乎国民素质全面提升。 放眼世界各国，延长义务教育年限已成为趋势。联合国教科文组织2010年对134个国家和地区的义务教 育年限进行了统计。其中，义务教育年限大于9年的有62个，占比46.3%；等于9年的有46个，占比 34.3%。 到了2018年，联合国教科文组织再次对196个国家和地区的义务教育年限进行了统计。其中，义务教育 年限大于9年的 ...