Improve Quality of Teaching in Rural China

Summary

Support schools and network rural teachers across China to develop new curriculum and teaching approaches that prepare students to make improvements in their own lives and communities.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

80% of rural Chinese students drop out during or after middle school, often due to rigid teaching methods that fail to prepare them for life. Rural schools suffer from shortages of motivated, qualified teachers. We support schools with principals and teachers who are strongly motivated to reform. We give them year-round support and training to experiment with student-centered curriculum and teaching approaches that connect schooling to life and the real world needs of rural students.

How will this project solve this problem?

Program staff work in rural primary schools in Shanxi Province by partnering with teachers to implement whole school reforms. We offer year-round professional development and disseminate publications that share best practices with others.

Potential Long Term Impact

The fate of rural children is critical to China's future. Providing quality education could mean the difference between millions growing up in a cycle of poverty and exploitation and a new generation of capable citizens who help solve these problems.

Project Message

Before RCEF, I didn't know there are so many people out there who care about rural schools. I am very happy that I got in contact with you. You gave me new motivation and ideas to improve my teaching.
- Zhang Haitao, Principal, Dayang Primary School