The education ministry announced Wednesday that it will allow textbook publishers to stray from its guidelines under certain conditions beginning next year.
The unprecedented decision comes amid widespread public concern about declining academic performance. The ministry has trimmed textbook content by 30 percent this year.
The ministry usually orders publishers to omit content it deems inappropriate or that does not strictly adhere to its recommended course of study. But in 2005, more flexible and diverse textbooks will begin entering the school system.