The Double-sided Impact and Reflection of the International Baccalaureate on Educational Equity in China

Abstract

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is now a powerful global education brand and a major player in the education system, however, more and more educators and countries in China are becoming cautious about it considering its impact on the education system of nation states, especially on educational equity. Finding a balance between the national education system and the IB has been a constant issue. Therefore, the research topic of this study is the impact of IB on educational equity in China, both negative and positive aspects. Finally, this study analyzes and draws on the experiences of other countries and regions in introducing the IB to gain some insights into how the IB and the Chinese education system can balance each other and develop better. The significance of this paper is that while discussing the negative impact of IB on educational equity in China, it also explores the positive implications of IB on students educational rights in the Chinese context and makes suggestions to better leverage its positive impact.