Summary of Key Points
The incident where the Education Bureau of Leibo, Liangshan, forced teachers from classes with low scores to take a photo with a symbol of “shame” may seem like an insult to the teachers on the surface, but it actually reveals the complex realities of the local education system. There are issues with the bureau’s management methods, as well as the fact that inexperienced leaders are in charge of education. Students face difficulties related to their families and lack of resources, and the teaching staff varies in quality. However, Leibo is not as “barbaric and backward” as it is often portrayed. Thanks to poverty alleviation efforts and investment in education over the years, significant progress has been made, and many people are working hard to change the situation.
1. The “Shame Photo”: A Foolish Method Behind Anxious Intentions
Forcing teachers to take a photo with a symbol of shame is definitely wrong—it violates their dignity and is against the law. It is a typical example of inexperienced leaders making decisions without understanding the realities of education (the bureau chief was transferred from the business sector and has no teaching experience). However, locals see it differently: at least this chief and the leaders have the intention to improve education, even if they use the most clumsy methods.
Why are they anxious? If children in Leibo cannot even read, write, or do basic math, they may end up on the wrong path (the crime rate among minors was high in the past). The leaders are eager to see results but do not understand the principles of education, leading to such humiliating measures. Nevertheless, even if the teachers are at fault, this approach is unfair. Teaching in the remote towns of Leibo is already challenging enough; adding such pressure is simply cruel.
2. Low Test Scores: Not Due to Intelligence, but to Hardship
Some online claims that students in Leibo are unintelligent or do not speak Chinese, which is completely wrong.
- They Can Speak Chinese: Xu Hua, the principal of Leibo Middle School (from an Yi ethnic group), did not speak Chinese as a child, but he went on to attend university and even taught students who were admitted to Peking University and Tsinghua University. Children from remote villages speak standard Mandarin and have even impressed American internet celebrities.
- The Real Challenges: Many children live dozens of kilometers from school and have to rely on unlicensed vehicles or walk; their parents, sometimes involved in drug abuse or domestic violence, cannot take care of them. This leads to poor nutrition and delayed brain development. It is no fault of the children that they score low on tests.
The government is helping: “Nutritious lunch programs” ensure children get enough to eat, and initiatives to prevent school dropout have brought them back to class. Subsidies are provided for children without parental support, meaning each additional student in the classroom solves a social problem.
3. Teachers with Low Scores: Not All Incompetent
Many online supporters of the teachers argue that they are not all incompetent. However, the reality is that many of the teachers with low-score classes did not receive a good education themselves.
- The Background of Teachers: In the past, few people were interested in becoming teachers, so many graduated from teacher training colleges or vocational schools, some without even a high school diploma. Teachers from other regions often left (with salaries of only 1,600 yuan in 2013, with no performance bonuses). Those who stayed often lacked the skills and motivation to teach effectively.
- But They Are Not Completely to Blame: Teaching in remote areas of Leibo is difficult, with poor working conditions and low salaries. It would be hard for anyone to be motivated. Nevertheless, having teachers at all is better than having none. If they leave, children will lose access to education.
Things are improving: The current enthusiasm for teacher recruitment has brought in new teachers with higher qualifications, but they are mostly assigned to cities, leaving the rural areas with the same problems.
4. Leibo’s Education: Not Completely Backward, with Visible Progress
The outside world’s stereotypical views of Leibo (as a place of backwardness and poor education) reflect a lack of recognition of the progress made through poverty alleviation efforts.
- Economic Development: Leibo has resources such as the Xiluodu Hydropower Station and phosphate mines, and its economy is similar to that of nearby Han-speaking areas. Its GDP ranks 8th in Sichuan, better than that of Ganzi and Aba.
- Clear Educational Progress: In 2014, no students from Leibo Middle School were admitted to Peking University or Tsinghua University; now 34% of graduates have bachelor’s degrees, and six have been admitted to these prestigious institutions. Principal Xu Hua’s goal of sending students there in three years seemed crazy, but he achieved it through belief in the students’ potential.
- Poverty Alleviation’s Impact: Programs like “Nutritious Lunch” and “School Dropout Prevention” have helped, and subsidies support children without parental care. Each additional student in the classroom contributes to solving social issues.
5. Breaking Stereotypes: Leibo’s Complexity Goes Beyond Low Test Scores
Leibo is not a black-and-white place:
- There are parents who focus only on having children but not on their education, as well as those who support their children and value education.
- There are students who score low, and there are others like Pang Zhongwang, who come from poor backgrounds but work hard.
- There are teachers who are just going through the motions, and there are dedicated educators like Principal Xu Hua.
This incident has drawn attention, which is a good thing, as it raises awareness of the real situation in Leibo. To solve the problems, we need to understand the facts: we cannot rely on foolish methods like the “shame photo” or use stereotypes to dismiss everyone’s efforts. The people of Leibo are making changes, and what they need is understanding and support, not prejudice.
In conclusion, while Leibo’s education system does have challenges, it is not completely failing. It is making progress despite difficulties. We should criticize the foolish actions of the Education Bureau, but we should also recognize the hard work of the teachers and the students. They represent the hope for Leibo’s future.