School Administration in China: A Look at the Principal′s Role

The findings of a qualitative inquiry that examined the role of school principals in the People′s 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 principal′s role is limited to the implementation of curricula; and (3) the principal′s role is severely limited when it comes to making major building‐level decisions. Lastly, a majority of the interviewees viewed the delegation of more decision‐making authority to principals as being absolutely essential to improving the quality of schooling in China.