government has regarded developing the country through science and education as its top task.
       Faced with the situation, educational reform needs to quicken and education itself to develop faster. During the 2010-2020 period, compulsory education will be made universal throughout the country. Educators in most areas of China will have shifted their attention to improving teaching quality and the efficiency of education. Major specific goals are: to provide high-quality elementary education, make higher education available to most people, and raise standards and teaching quality for vocational education and adult education, with a view to cultivating high-quality laborers and people with professional expertise who can meet challenges of the 21^st century.
       To achieve the goals, financial input is necessary, as are better school conditions. Also required are better "software" conditions covering the quality of teachers, educational thinking, curricula reform and the educational process. In short, achievement of the goals requires an overall progress of the educational system and educational setup. Chinese educators will make lasting and comprehensive efforts to make this happen.