The U.S.-China Administrator Shadowing Project (ASP) provides a unique opportunity for school administrators --superintendents and principals--to learn about and observe one another's educational systems from close up. Each October principals from China visit schools in the United States. After attending lectures on American education at universities, schools, and departments of education, they shadow partner principals or superintendents on the job, live in host families, visit classes, and participate in a variety of school and community events. One of the visitors described the experience as "a treasure." American administrators reunite with their counterparts in China in April for comparable parallel experiences. The U.S.-China Administrator Shadowing Project is co-sponsored by the China Exchange Initiative (CEI) and the China Education Association for International Exchanges (CEAIE) of China's Ministry of Education. To date, we have sponsored ASPs in Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Ohio, Wisconsin and Oklahoma.
Fall – Chinese administrators will visit America. After a week attending lectures on American education, visiting state offices such as the Department of Education, and participating in other educational activities and sightseeing in the area, they will shadow partner administrators in school communities for a week. U.S. administrators will be responsible for scheduling school visits, finding host families and suitable interpreters, and arranging school and community activities. Spring (April) – U.S. administrators will visit China for a week of seminars and tourism in Beijing, followed by a week of shadowing at their counterparts’ schools. Participants will gain exposure to contemporary Chinese culture and society, learn about China’s education system and education reform, and observe the roles and responsibilities of their counterpart school administrators. Participants will be awarded Professional Development credit, with an option for graduate credit. Preparation: CEI will provide orientation sessions prior to hosting and prior to travel to China. Cost: The bulk of program costs will be paid for by a grant from the Freeman Foundation. Participants will only be required to submit an $1800 co-pay, which covers transportation to, from and within China; accommodations and meals in China; and other costs (e.g., China visa processing, entrance fees, etc.). The value of the program is approximately $4500. Words From Past Participants This has been the most meaningful experience next to my marriage and the birth of my children. -- Steven Ramos, Principal, Heritage Middle School, Painesville, OH, 2011 This was a life-changing experience for me. The friendships that I developed on both personal and professional levels will never be lost. I look forward to the continued relationship with my partner school in China and the exchange of ideas, students, and faculty that will surely develop from this opportunity. -- Jace Palmer, Assistant Principal, Upper St. Clair High School, Upper St. Clair, PA, 2011The exchange experience was probably the single most rewarding professional experience of my life. The reason is that it was primarily concerned with education in China and the comparative differences with the U.S.A. However, the experience was crafted within a deep cultural context that led to a profound personal breakthrough in understanding of both our similarities and differences – not to mention genuine friendship. The collegial interactions were awesome and very much underscored and validated my personal experiences. -- Jim Quaglia, Superintendent, Blue Hills Regional Technical School, Canton, MA, 2011-- Kirk Hamilton, Executive Director of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA), Columbus, OH, 2011 This was absolutely the most valuable educational experience of my 32-year career! I learned so much about Chinese culture, the Chinese educational system, and most importantly the amazing students and educators in the schools we visited. I have made new friends – both near and far – who I will treasure forever. -- Leah Christman, Assistant Superintendent, Southern Lehigh Schools, Center Valley, PA, 2011“This
is the best, once-in-a-lifetime experience for an American educator.” -- Ed
Mendoza, Principal, Westfield IN, 2008 -- Jane Newblom, Principal, Sheridan IN, 2008 “What struck me most was the attitude toward the future held by the students at the high school. These students were extremely patriotic and had high regard for their teachers and for education. While intense pressure for good grades leads to incredible stress, there was a sense of optimism. The Chinese students had a strong interest in world affairs. My plan is to return to North Reading with a greater focus on global education.…I believe it is critical for our students to have a broader perspective in cultural and global issues.” -- David Troughton, Superintendent, North Reading MA, 2007 “The Administrator Shadowing Project is the first step along a long road toward understanding the realities of globalization and the challenges for education in the 21st century. The experience was about building relationships. I made many new friends and found a whole new venue for learning.”-- John
Vecchitto, Principal, Woodbury CT, 2006 “My experience [in an administrators shadowing project] was life changing! I intend to visit China again, with students. Americans need to look, listen, and develop working relationships with the Chinese. I see this as pivotal to our survival. I was so impressed with students’ warmth, generosity, energy, and intellect. Our students will be amazed.” -- Catherine Richards, Principal, Danbury CT, 2006 |
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US-China Administrator Shadowing Project |