Investing in the next generation

Weifang spends big on schools, professionals and resources to improve education from the ground up

The Weifang Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone is continuously improving local education to develop a better study environment for students.

The zone initiated construction and expansion projects for 10 schools and kindergartens in 2016. Expansion of six schools, including Dongfeng School and Xinchang School, are already complete. Total investment in education reached 790 million yuan ($113.57 million) in 2016.

These projects will supply schools with an extra 7,720 seats for the 2017 autumn semester, according to local authorities.

Education authorities have also striven to improve the quality of education in suburban regions to ensure greater convenience for students. The opening of Weifang Hi-Tech Zone's New Epoch School and the second phase of Gangcheng Modern School in the Xinchang and Xin'gang economic development zones, respectively, in September last year provided better study environment for students.

"There was no school in Xinchang in previous years. We spent a lot of time taking kids to schools in the Qingchi subdistrict or Xin'gang economic development zone," said Wang Kai, a resident in the Xinchang Economic Development Zone. "The newly built Weifang Hi-Tech Zone's New Epoch School in Xinchang is nearby, but also famous. I have heard that many parents in other parts of the city are trying to send their children here."

Local education service providers are also happy to see expanded schools with upgraded facilities.

Zhang Yanwu, deputy principal of Gangcheng Modern School, said that the school has built a comprehensive new building to serve an array of different purposes. The building has various functional rooms, computer rooms and well-equipped labs. The indoor playground allows students to do physical exercises in bad weather.

"Construction of high-quality schools equipped with relevant software and hardware can help to reduce the size of classes. Children in the high-tech zone can now enjoy quality education services near home," said Li Jinle, a member of the Party committee of the zone's education bureau.

Unique features

Schools are encouraged to cultivate their own distinctive features to develop a diversified education system in the zone.

Zhiyuan Primary School offered 10-minute short classes in the morning and early afternoon from Monday to Friday on science fiction.

The school's students have reported outstanding results in model airplane competitions in Shandong province.

Qingping Primary School is keen on developing closer ties with parents so they may play more significant roles in supporting students' studies. The school has provided free lectures to parents to give them more knowledge about their children's education.

"I have learnt to calm down and talk with my daughter when she makes mistakes," said parent Li Ping. "She is willing to share her secrets with me. We now have a closer relationship."

Li said her daughter also reported better academic results.

More funds have been provided to encourage government-operated kindergartens to develop distinctive education programs in recent years. A government-operated kindergarten spent 600 yuan on each child in 2016, increasing from 400 yuan per child the previous year.

The best teachers

The increasing number of schools and kindergartens has led to shortage of skilled workers in the zone. Local authorities have put forward measures to train and attract more professional teachers. Ninety-six university graduates and 20 high-caliber teachers were recruited to work in the region in 2016.

Last year, two school principals in the zone were named in a list of "renowned principals" in Shandong province for their special contributions in the education sector. An additional 71 teachers were rewarded in Weifang city.

The zone has set up a one million yuan fund to reward exceptional principals, and a five million yuan fund to reward outstanding school teachers.

"An energetic education team is the key to building an excellent education system," said Mu Yanhua, deputy director of the education bureau of the zone.

"A reward mechanism will support our education sector's development. It is also a way to acknowledge teachers' efforts."

tangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/09/2017 page12)