BEIJING — China aims to eliminate “super-sized” classes that accommodate more than 66 students in primary and middle schools nationwide by the end of 2020, according to a guideline released on July 17.

The proportion of “large-sized” classes with over 56 students will be kept to no more than 5 percent by 2020, said the document, jointly issued by the Ministry of Education, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance.

Oversized classes have long been a prominent issue in China’s compulsory education system, as quality education resources are insufficient in some regions.

Local authorities will be required to properly establish small rural schools and boarding schools in towns and townships, and improve conditions of the schools, such as through the building of dining halls and sports venues, said the document.

Moreover, rural schools should make efforts to apply information technology in teaching, it added.