Chinese Principal Perceptions on the American School Leadership Standards

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of Chinese school principals on the importance of American Educational Leadership Program Standards. Seventy three principals from a county in Guangdong, China completed the Principal Leadership Standards Questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that the Chinese principals perceived the majority of American leadership standards to be either important or very important in school administration. Perception differences among the leadership dimensions were significant. The principal leadership standards in the management of school organization and school instruction were perceived to be significantly more important than the leadership dimensions of school vision and collaborative partnership. The results of the study contribute to the development of school leadership training programs in China. Recommendations were made in using the framework of American leadership standards in China for the development and re-development of university programs and professional trainings in school leadership.