Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article emphasizes the Education Ministry's commitment to improving the quality and integrity of basic education in China by addressing issues related to campus meals, teaching materials, and school uniforms [1] Group 2 - In 2026, the Education Ministry will continue to promote special rectifications regarding campus meals, teaching aids, and school uniforms, ensuring strict supervision throughout the entire process [1] - The Ministry will strengthen the regulation of teaching materials by controlling the "entry point" for their procurement, aiming to prevent corruption and protect the rights of students and parents [1] - The Ministry plans to advance the reform of the high school entrance examination (Zhongkao) by improving the quality of exam questions and reducing excessive rote memorization and mechanical practice, thereby refocusing education on its fundamental purpose of nurturing students [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights a significant shift in the Chinese education system, moving from a focus on frequent testing to a more exploratory and diagnostic approach to learning, as mandated by the Ministry of Education's recent notification [1][2][5] - The reduction in exam frequency allows for more autonomous learning time for students, enabling parents to identify specific learning gaps that were previously obscured by a focus on grades [1][2] - Experts emphasize that true learning occurs through inquiry and critical thinking rather than rote memorization for exams, indicating a need for a fundamental change in educational practices [2][3] Group 2 - The articles describe various schools implementing innovative teaching methods that prioritize deep engagement and exploration over traditional exam preparation, showcasing a shift towards a more holistic educational experience [3][4][6] - The ideal exam format is proposed to be one that emphasizes skill development and growth, rather than merely serving as a selection tool, thus transforming assessments into a means of fostering student development [5][7] - Schools are adopting diverse evaluation methods that integrate continuous assessment with flexible re-evaluation opportunities, allowing students to demonstrate their learning progress in various ways [5][6] Group 3 - The articles discuss the challenges of maintaining assessment accuracy while reducing the emphasis on scores, highlighting the need for precise evaluation methods that reflect students' true learning levels [7][8] - There is a consensus that the new examination policies should focus on complex problem-solving rather than simple knowledge recall, promoting a deeper understanding of subjects [8] - The overall goal of these reforms is to enhance the quality of education by reducing ineffective testing and creating space for high-quality learning experiences [8]