Evaluation of the Implementation of the "Double Reduction" Policy in Compulsory Education (K12) in China: Taking Guizhou Province as an Example

Abstract

The "Double Reduction" policy, designed to enhance and develop the education system, focuses on reducing students' workload from homework and external academic training. Its fundamental goal is to elevate educational quality, unleash students' overall potential, and cultivate their creative thinking and lifelong learning skills.While current academic research on this policy primarily examines its theoretical underpinnings and practical application methods, there is a notable gap in examining its effectiveness in depth. To address this, this study selects Guizhou Province as a case study, employing questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews.This approach enables a comparative analysis of the shifts in the educational landscape and students' perspectives and adaptations before and after the policy's implementation, aiming for a thorough and cohesive evaluation.The findings indicate that Guizhou Province's educational reform, influenced by the "Double Reduction" policy, has significantly advanced in enhancing the learning environment and alleviating student stress. However, the study also uncovers certain implementation bottlenecks and challenges. Drawing from these insights, this paper suggests strategies to augment the policy's effectiveness and to continuously refine its implementation. These recommendations are geared towards sustaining the policy's impact and further fostering the comprehensive and harmonious growth of students.