From April 20 to 26, China National Academy of Educational Sciences (CNAES) Experimental Zone Party Secretaries and Principals' Internship and Training Program (Beijing Session), themed "Embodying the Spirit of Educators and Enhancing School Governance Capabilities," was successfully held. The program aimed to build a platform for mutual learning and exchange among school leaders through diversified learning formats, promote the sharing of educational reform and innovation achievements, and advance the high-quality development of education in the experimental zones.
Li Yongzhi, President, CNAES, engaged in an in-depth discussion with party secretaries and principals on educational transformation in the era of artificial intelligence. Li emphasized that the development of artificial intelligence will reshape social division of labor and societal structures, thereby driving changes in the content and goals of education and learning. He pointed out that certain disciplines and professional fields within traditional education will face major challenges. Education, he stressed, should place greater emphasis on cultivating abilities that surpass artificial intelligence and should integrate AI elements into various curricula.
At the opening ceremony, Liu Guihua, Vice President, CNAES, reviewed the ten-year development of the CNAES Experimental Zone Internship and Training Program. He emphasized that party secretaries and principals must fully understand the people-oriented, and strategic attributes of education, strengthen ideological leadership and international influence, and develop a profound awareness of their mission and responsibilities in building China into a leading country in education. Liu also set clear expectations regarding academic discipline and personal conduct during the internship and training period.
The training program was divided into 3 groups—primary school, junior high school, and senior high school—each conducting activities at different base schools: Minzu Primary School in Haidian District, Beijing; the Chaoyang Experimental School of CNAES; and the Fengtai Experimental School of CNAES, respectively. Through a combination of keynote lectures, thematic seminars, on-site observations, and visits to model schools, the program organized immersive internship and training activities for all participants.
During the thematic exchange and discussion sessions, four topics were set: "School-based Teacher Training and Professional Development," "Mental Health in Primary and Secondary Schools," "Science Education and the Cultivation of Top Innovative Talents," and "Classroom Transformation Toward the Future." Party secretaries and principals engaged in in-depth discussions on each topic, sharing experiences from their school practices, identifying challenges, and exploring future directions for development.
In the distinctive school visitation and learning activities for the primary, junior high school, and senior high school groups, Zhongguancun No. 1 Primary School focused on science education by arranging science class observations and providing a detailed introduction to the comprehensive educational practices of its "Science Garden," showcasing the school's innovative achievements in the field of science education. Branch of Beijing Chen Jinglun Middle School centered on the integration of the 5 aspects of education by organizing observations of labor skills and art classes, highlighting the school's unique approach to cultivating students' comprehensive qualities. Beijing Jianhua Experimental Etown School emphasized high school characteristic courses by arranging related course observations and exchange activities, sharing the school's experiences in curriculum innovation and educational models. Each group also allocated ample time for discussion and exchange, allowing principals and school leaders to thoroughly explore issues and possibilities in educational reform and development.
During the visit and learning session, the principals and school leaders toured the campus of Peking University and attended a special lecture by Fan Deshang, Deputy Director and Secretary-General of the Global Governance Research Center at Peking University and Director of the Postdoctoral Management Committee Office. The lecture focused on the international landscape, education, and talent cultivation in the era of artificial intelligence.
In the shadowing and training activities for the primary school, junior high school, and senior high school groups, each base school meticulously planned and arranged a diverse range of training content, covering various aspects of school management and development. These activities also focused on educational and teaching practices, including on-site observation and learning, classroom teaching practice, exploration of educational models, and educational research discussions. Additionally, special attention was given to student development, encompassing mental health education, career planning guidance, and moral education work. Each school also showcased innovative practices in research-based social studies, science education, and arts education, leveraging their unique characteristics.
At the opening ceremony, Yang Yuling, the Party Secretary of Haidian Ethnic Primary School, and Ding Fengliang, the Principal, along with Song Yanyan, the Principal of Chaoyang Experimental School, and Li Tong, the Principal of Fengtai Experimental School, were in attendance. Members of the expert guidance group from the experimental schools of the CNAES, as well as 52 Party Secretaries and Principals, participated in the event. A total of 52 Party Secretaries and Principals from the experimental zones of the CNAES, counterpart assistance counties for rural revitalization, and visiting scholar programs jointly engaged in a week-long training activity.
Building on the lessons learned over the past decade, this shadowing and training activity has further optimized the mutual learning and exchange platform for experimental zones, providing a stage for Party Secretaries and Principals to communicate and showcase their insights. Through both centralized and group learning formats, the event fostered consensus on educational reform and development, enhanced the political and school management capabilities of the participants, and facilitated deep reflection and experience sharing among them. Attendees unanimously expressed that the exchange activity was not only highly inspiring but also provided valuable practical wisdom through in-depth interactions, yielding substantial gains. Moving forward, CNAES will continue to deepen shadowing and training activities in experimental zones, supporting the growth of more educators, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of basic education, and advancing regional practices in building a strong educational nation to higher levels.