After-School Service in Chinese Primary Schools in the Context of the Implementation of the Double Reduction Policy: The Current State, Problems, and Countermeasures

Abstract

In February 2017, the Ministry of Education of China issued the Guiding Opinions on Optimizing After-school Service for Primary and Secondary School Students. The State Council released the Opinions on Further Reducing the Burden of Homework and Off-Campus Training for Compulsory Education Students (also referred to as the Double Reduction Policy) in July 2021. The release of the Policy sparked wide concern over after-school service for schoolchildren. It is believed that after-school service has the potential to increase educational capacities of the school, reduce parents’ burden, and promote all-round development of students. Nevertheless, a number of issues need to be addressed in current after-school service in Chinese schools.