Implement the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education and promote the expansion and improvement of basic education

The National Basic Education Work Conference was held in Beijing on July 22. The conference conveyed General Secretary Xi Jinping's recent important instructions on basic education work. Representatives attending the conference and educators said that they should take fostering virtue through education as the fundamental task, advance reform and development in basic education, and improve the quality of education. The report pointed out that ideological and political courses, students' physical and mental health, educational equity, and the development of the teaching workforce are key directions for the current reform of basic education. Heads of education departments and schools in many places said they would continue to focus on the concepts of "Health First," expanding highquality resources, and strengthening teachers' ethics and professional conduct, so as to promote the allround development of students. The article also mentioned that basic education should uphold its public welfare nature, deepen comprehensive education reform, promote collaborative education among schools, families, and society, and further solidify the foundation for building China into a leading country in education.