April 18-Attend 2 lectures at the Hebei Education Department and Visit at the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School

Today we had the opportunity to meet with Yang Yong, Cheng Qixue, Hou Jianguo and Shi Xiaoyan at the Mistry of Education Department in Hebei.  They hold the titles of  Deputy Director of Personnel Division and Deputy Director of Hebei Normal University.  These titles would be comparable to our Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and/or the Commissioner of Education of our state.  Today's lecture was to discuss the procedures for recruitment, training and evaluation of teachers and principals.  The Chinese educational reform has undergone many changes in the past 10-15 years. They have revised and developed not only their curriculum, but also many new programs including the most recent pilot program for hiring new teachers and principals.  The Chinese put a large emphasis on performance based bonuses for teachers and principals.

After that we spent our afternoon at a "Normal University". It is called Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School.  This school is grades k-12 and has  12,000 students, yes that is larger than the total population of Leicester town residents. The motto of this school is "Preparing for the World of Tomorrow" and the goal is that of a global vision. It was fascinating listening to the principal speak about how she is able to manage a school of this size.  Obviously this school's focus is on teaching the students multiple foreign languages while at the same time using an innovative training model.  They have partnered with 26 sister-schools for exchange programs. Most students from grades 6-12 live on campus during the school week and go home on the weekends.  Because of its outstanding educational philosophy and performance history, this school is considered a "National Model School", which entitles students to be recommended to  a Key University (the highest level of education possible) without taking the very difficult entrance exam.  Our visit today included a calligraphy lesson, a martial arts production by a class of 4 and 5 year old students and a trip to see the bowling ally and horticulture greenhouse all in one building.  Oh, and yes, that is one of the MANY  parking lot for their bikes.