School Administration in China A Look at the Principals Role

The findings of a qualitative inquiry that examined the role of school principals in the Peoples Republic of China are reported. Specifically, the focus was on ascertaining the extent to which principals are involved in deciding who will teach and what will be taught. Responses indicated that 1 in China, principals have little or no role to play in the selection and evaluation of teachers 2 the principals role is limited to the implementation of curricula and 3 the principals role is severely limited when it comes to making major buildinglevel decisions. Lastly, a majority of the interviewees viewed the delegation of more decisionmaking authority to principals as being absolutely essential to improving the quality of schooling in China.