A Critical Examination of "Public" International High School Curriculum Programs in China

• In Event: Millennium Hotel Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: From Grassroots to Global: Curriculum Reform Across Contexts

Abstract

This paper critically examines one of emerging “public” international high school curriculum programs in China. Drawing upon critical curriculum studies and critical education policy studies, the paper explores who designs what kinds of curriculum, for whom, for what purpose(s), in which way, and with what effects. Using ethnographic data conducted in a field study school, policy documents, webpages, and high-profile news sources, this paper points out that multiple private and public educational institutions were involved in the development of such international high school curriculum programs in the way of collaboration and partnership for profit making. The paper concludes that this public-private partnership leads to the privatization of public education.

Author

• Shuning Liu, Ball State University