Despite the progress made in expanding access to education, there were also challenges and disparities in the education system before the revolution. Rural areas and underserved communities often had limited access to quality education, and there were disparities in educational outcomes based on socioeconomic status and gender. Furthermore, the education system in Iran before the revolution was criticized for its lack of emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills development. The curriculum was heavily focused on rote memorization and standardized testing, which limited students' ability to think independently and creatively.