ABSTRACT
One of the most important accomplishments of the East Asian nations has been the creation of a skilled, knowledgeable work force. In the past, only a small percentage of people attended high schools and universities. However, in the transformation of many East Asian nations from agricultural to industrial societies, it became apparent that a well-educated work force would be needed if the demands of complex industrial and manufacturing economies were to be met. Their governments instituted universal, compulsory education of high quality for all citizens and discontinued the tradition of elite education, at least through the junior high school years. The degree to which this has been accomplished varies, of course, with China still striving to attain the goal and Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and several other nations having accomplished it some time ago.
