China vs. United States

• Reducing the amount of time devoted to academic studies, has been a consistent theme in the numerous reform efforts China has undertaken since the early 1990s. China has also struggled hard to shorten the school day and school year, which exceeds ours by 30%. Many have long realized that what gives China its enviable academic accomplishment is precisely what has led to the shortage of creative and entrepreneurial talent. They are still stuck with a myriad of tests used to go from one level of schooling to the next.
• Parents also make sure that their children are focused only on academic studies. In general, Chinese children are freed from household chores and not allowed to engage in anything except academic study. The lack of opportunities to try out different talents and interests than the tested subjects deprives the creative and entrepreneurially talented the chance and resources to discover and develop their potential. When children follow a strictly prescribed path, there is little chance of a detour.

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