This book offers a comprehensive picture of high-performing East Asian education systems
beyond their outstanding achievements in international assessments such as PISA and TIMSS.
Situating excellence within discussions of equity it contextualises the conceptions and
pursuits of equity amid the development of education systems policy and curricula in selected
East Asian societies. While parallels could be observed across the systems including
high-stakes assessment culture increasing credentialism and high investment of family
educational resources there are also divergences in approaches and outcomes relating to equity
policies and practices. In light of the challenges presented by low fertility rates ageing
populations migration and the economic demands of the 21st century the book addresses these
systems' attempts to cater to further diversified student populations and maintain equity in
excellence. As the international community relentlessly seeks to enhance equity in education
there is much these East Asian education systems can share. This book has appeal
internationally to researchers policymakers educators and anyone interested in East Asian
education and equity.
