Investigation into the Perceptions of Students, Parents, and Teachers in China's Education Reform in Grades 7 and 8.

The objective of this study was to examine how and to what extent Grades 7 and 8 teachers have implemented educational reforms in China that have had a direct impact on students, teachers, and parents. Major sources of data for this study were separate anonymous surveys for teachers, students, and parents. The study concluded that teachers and parents liked the reform initiatives. Most teachers were able to make changes that supported the reforms that include curriculum planning, teaching strategies, student evaluation, and special education. Teachers lacked in-service professional development and resources, especially in the rural areas. Teachers experienced difficulties that arose from the conflict between activity-based learning and exam-oriented systems. Parents and society need to change their mindsets of valuing exam achievements. Chinese educators are at the crossroads of whether the 'quality' movement is what the students and society need at this time or make changes in the high stakes examination. Leaders who want to implement change will have to pay attention to the voices of stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]