Chinese move toward education reform plan

BEIJING, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The Chinese government said it has begun work on a 12-year education reform plan that would place emphasis on economic development and technology innovation.

The Ministry of Education said its report on the outline of the education reform and development plan was approved Friday at a meeting of the National Science and Technology Education Leading Group of the State Council, which includes Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Xinhua, China's official government-run news agency, reported Friday.

"It is necessary to make a medium and long-term plan for education reform and development in accordance with the new requirements to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, the new trend of domestic and overseas development and the new expectations of the people," the ministry's report stated.

The report called for prioritizing education as a means of promoting economic equity and bolstering development of innovative technologies.

The Leading Group said it will seek input from experts, parents and students before deciding on the final guidelines for the education plan.