China issues guideline to reduce burden of teachers

China has issued a guideline to reduce the burden of teachers at primary and secondary schools, and create a good environment for education.

The guideline, jointly issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, stresses streamlining the existing rules of supervision, inspection, appraisal and assessment at primary and secondary schools.

Authorities at all levels should not assign irrelevant missions, such as attracting investment, to primary and secondary schools and teachers, according to the guideline.

The guideline asks relevant authorities to simplify the data reporting from primary and secondary schools, prevent repeated reports, and improve the management of databases with advanced technologies including artificial intelligence.

Education authorities should improve the quality of training for the teachers to improve their professional skills, according to the guideline, adding that irrelevant training for the teachers should not be allowed.

The guideline also calls for improving education in poverty-stricken areas to promote poverty alleviation.