Leadership vs. Challenges: Perceptions of School Principals from Jiangsu China

Abstract

Principals of middle schools and high schools in the province of Jiangsu, China, face significant challenges. Using the Ontario Principal Leadership Framework as a reference, this study examines the leadership competencies that the Chinese principals believe they would need to meet these challenges. This research aims at a deeper understanding of the role of the principal in student achievement, and is based on the principals’ reflections on the Ontario Principal Leadership Framework combined with their experiences in education-related visitations and discussions during a three-week training program in Toronto. The two cultures, Chinese and Canadian, have evident similarities and diversities; comparison suggests how the different approaches might effect or influence student achievement. This study should help the organization of future training programs, inspiring educational development and improvement through international comparison.