Introduction

Abstract

In 1986, China launched compulsory education through the enactment of the Compulsory Education Law (CEL). Twenty years later, China has basically universalized 9-year basic education, and the average length of schooling of the cohort increased from 4.3 years before 1985 to 8.1 years by 2001 (Chu Z. Jin yi bu tuidong yiwu jiaoyu jiankang fazhan (Further promoting sound development of compulsory education). In: Quanguo renda jiao ke wen wei weiyuan hui jiaoyu shi [The Education Office of ESCHC of the NPC] (ed) Zhong hua ren min gong he guo yi wu jiao yu xue xi yu xuan chuan du ben [The compulsory education law of the people’s Republic of China: a reader]. Beijing Normal University Press, Beijing, 2006, p. 169). In 2006, the Compulsory Education Law was amended; soon after, the 9-year basic education was universally accessible nationwide and was free of charge (Xinhuanet. Woguo zi jinri qi shixian chengxiang yiwu jiaoyu quanbu mianchu xueza fei [China realized compulsory education free of tuition and miscellaneous charges in both rural and urban areas starting from today]. Retrieved December 10, 2009, from http://news.xinhuanet.com/edu/2008-09/01/content_9746655.htm , 2008).