Two Policies Aimed at Achieving Education Equality —— Nine-Year Compulsory Education Law in China and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in the United States
Abstract
The compulsory education law in China, known as the Nine-Year Compulsory Education Law (NYCE), and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in the United States, are two important laws with the purpose of guaranteeing educational access and enhancing the academic achievements of children. Although China and the United States have distinct educational systems and approaches, examining these legislations offers valuable perspectives on their respective efforts to ensure education for every student. By ensuring access to education, addressing achievement gaps, promoting accountability, and encouraging equitable resource allocation, the governments endeavored to provide all students with an equal opportunity to succeed academically. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the NYCE in China and the ESEA in the United States, highlighting their similarities and differences in terms of their historical backgrounds, efforts on educational equality, and their respective successes and drawbacks. By examining these aspects, people can gain insights into the impact of these laws on education and consider potential solutions to the challenges they face.
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