SHENZHEN'S education authority issued five "don't dos" Wednesday, regulating paid tuition involving primary and middle school teachers.

Teachers are now banned from giving paid tuition using school resources, tutoring students from their own schools for payment, tutoring during semesters, taking part-time jobs at training agencies, and helping training agencies recruit students.

The new policy will take effect April 1.

Those breaking the new regulations could be demoted or even dismissed.

They will also be required to return any money made through tuition, said Chen Xiande, an education official.

Students and parents can call 8210-5601 to report teachers they suspect might be breaking the regulations.

The regulations did not specify whether the new policy applies to foreign teachers in the city. Lai Qunyang, head of the city's Education Work Committee, refused to offer any further explanation when asked by the Shenzhen Daily.

As some students and their parents demanded home tuition, it was deemed acceptable for teachers to teach their students during vacations and to tutor students from other schools, Chen said.

"The restriction is to ensure that teachers treat every student equally in class, so that they will not just focus on those who pay extra money after school," said Chen.

One teacher, who refused to be identified, doubted the effectiveness of the policy. "It won't prevent teachers from tutoring at home as most of them give tuition secretly. If no student or parent reports them, they won't worry about being caught. Even if they get caught, it would be difficult to provide evidence of their offense," the teacher said.

He suggested that instead of a ban, it might be better for the education authority to stipulate standards for home tutoring, including the setting of fees, to regulate teachers' activities, as there was a strong demand for tuition.

Source:Shenzhen Daily