Chinese Teachers Publicly Humiliated for Students' Poor Test Scores

An incident in China's Sichuan province has drawn widespread condemnation after teachers were publicly humiliated for their students' poor academic performance. During an education administrative meeting on August 26, teachers were called onto a stage and photographed with a screen behind them displaying messages such as 'Primary school final exam, teachers with an average score below 30' and 'Junior high school final exam, teachers with an average score below 15.' The words 'Disgrace' were prominently displayed on the screen.

Scholar Shen Rong-chin shared photos of the event on social media, noting that the incident occurred in Leibo County, Liangshan Prefecture. Chinese media have reportedly verified the event with the Liangshan Prefecture Education Bureau. The practice has been described as a new height of educational "involution" in Sichuan, a term used to describe intense, unproductive competition.

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If this is the dignity of teachers, then guess what dignity the students with poorer grades in their classes will have?

Netizens reacted strongly to the news, with many drawing parallels to the public criticism and struggle sessions of the Cultural Revolution. Comments included "Red Guards are back?" and "Is this the traditional Chinese respect for teachers?" The public shaming of educators has raised serious questions about the pressure placed on teachers and the methods used to address academic underachievement in the region.

Shen Rong-chin expressed dismay, questioning the dignity afforded to students who perform poorly if their teachers are subjected to such treatment. The incident highlights a deeply concerning approach to education that appears to prioritize public shaming over supportive measures for both students and educators, potentially exacerbating the already intense pressures within China's education system.

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Red Guards are back?