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The [[Republic of China|Republic of China (Taiwan)]] has a comprehensive education system heavily influenced by the [[Education in Japan|Japanese system]] ([[Taiwan|Taiwan Island]] and the [[Pescadores]] were a [[Japan]]ese colony),. the The system has been successful in that pupils in the Republic of China boast some of the highest test scores in the world, especially in [[math]] and [[science]]; however, it has also been criticized for placing excessive pressure on students and eschewing creativity in favor of rote memorization. Recent educational reforms intended to address these criticisms are a topic of intense debate in the Republic of China.
The literacy rate in [[2003]] was 96.1%.
The public education system in the Republic of China spans from kindergarten through university. Public education has been compulsory from [[elementary school]] through [[junior high school]] since [[1968]]. In [[2001]] roughly 16% of the central budget was spent on education.
Access to [[high school]] and [[university]] areis controlled by a series of national exams. Discipline in public schools of all levels is generally very tight with school uniforms and morning reveille being the norm. Students of all levels through high school are responsible for cleaning their own classrooms and areas around the school, (cleanup time being a daily ritual). [[Corporal punishment]] is officially banned, thoughbut many reports suggest it is still practiced by some teachers.
The school year consists of two semesters. FallThe fall semester begins in early September and runs till late January or early February. Winter vacation typically runs from two to three weeks around the [[Lunar New Year]]. Spring semester begins following the [[Lantern Festival]] in mid February and ends in early June. From middle school on, many schools hold "optional supplementary classes" during winter and summer vacation as well as after normal school hours. Despite the name, in many cases participation is compulsory. The language of instruction is [[Mandarin (linguistics)|Mandarin]].
==Primary education==
Discipline in educational institutions from high school and up (including vocational schools) are the responsibility of [[military of the Republic of China|military]] officers stationed at the individual schools (as opposed to elementary and junior high school where teachers and school administrators were responsible for discipline). In addition to the normal subjects, students are also required to attend a military education class covering issues such as [[civil defense]], [[Parade (military)|military drill]]s, national defense, and basic firearms training. In the past, high (and vocational) school students were expected to take on civil defense duties in the event of national emergency.
In many high schools, incoming students may select science or liberal arts tracks depending on where their interests lie. As one might expect, the science track includes more rigorous science and math classes intended to prepare the student for a career in the sciences and engineering; the liberal arts track places a heavier emphasis on literature and social studies to prepare students for a future in those fields.
At the end of their third year, college bound students participate in the national university entrance exams in hopes of attending a four -year university.
===Vocational schools===
Vocational schools are three -year institutions similar to normal high schools,. unlikeUnlike normal high schools, they place a heavier emphasis on practical and vocational skills. Incoming students typically choose a single concentration, such as electrical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, or business... etc. Some specialized vocational schools also offer programs in [[seamanship]] and [[agriculture]]. Vocational school graduates may also participate in the national university entrance exams,. itIt is not uncommon for students to select vocational school over high school and proceed to a four year college afterwards.
==Higher education==
*[[National Tsinghua University]]: Famous in the natural sciences, such as [[physics]] and [[chemistry]].
*[[National Cheng Kung University]]: Prestigious engineering programs. One of only two universities in Taiwan to offer a program in [[aerospace engineering]].
*[[National Chiao Tung University]]: Famous for [[electrical engineering]] due to its proximity to the [[Hsinchu Science Park]]. Also has a reputation as a male -dominated "geek school".
In contrast with junior high and high school, college life in Taiwan is generally seen as being rather relaxed. This has led many people to send their children abroad (typically to the [[United States]]) where universities are seen as being more rigorous. Graduate degrees from the U.S. and [[Europe]] are also highly prized with many students applying to foreign graduate schools after completing university (though the number has declined somewhat in recent years). An average of 13000 university graduates per year choose to pursue graduate studies in the U.S..
====5 year junior colleges====
Students enter 5 five-year junior colleges after graduating junior high school and passing a national exam. The curriculum is similar to that of vocational schools with the exception that 5 year junior colleges run for two additional years. Students graduate with the equivalent of an associate degree and are ready to enter the workforce. Some students may choose to continue their studies at a two year technical institute or apply to transfer into a four year university.
====2 year junior colleges====
Two -year junior colleges offer advanced vocational training for graduates of vocational or senior high schools. Students graduate with an associates degree and may continue on to a 2 year technical institute, transfer to a four year university, or enter the workforce.
====2 year technical institutes====
===Cram schools (Buxiban)===
With the intense pressure placed on students to achieve by parents, many students enroll in private after -school classes intended to supplement their regular education. These cram schools are an extremely large (and profitable) business in Taiwan and have been criticized by some as being the result of cultural overemphasis on academic achievement. Ranging from well known chain schools such as Joy and Hess, who each have hundreds of locations islandwide, through to single independents, the market for this type of school is huge. Popular subjects in cram schools include [[English studies|English]], [[math]], and the [[natural sciences]]. Test prep classes are also popular amongst junior and senior high school students.
Classes are generally very orderly and controlled, with class sizes as high as 200 or so students in some famous institutions. The quality of cram schools varies considerably. Some of the larger schools and chains write their own programs and produce their own textbooks. To date, the largest private school in the [[Republic of China]] is [[Hess Educational Organization]].
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