Chongqing - Liu Xiya has been a primary school principal in Chongqing for 20 years.

Liu Xiya, a school principal in China, is known for her firm decision on educational reform and experience, and bold suggestion on the Two Sessions. (Photo/Kenny Dong)

A senior teacher who joined the school in 1995 told Bridging News that Principal Liu stands out for her bold vision and actions, unlike the more conservative approach of many officials.

In 2004, during her first year at the school, Xiejiawan Primary School adopted the educational philosophy "Six Years Impact a Lifetime." They introduced a new school uniform, song, and red plum blossom as a cultural symbol, revitalizing the campus atmosphere.

In addition to transforming the campus, Liu, committed to keeping the school at the cutting edge of educational philosophy, teaching methods, and technology, led several industry-recognized changes: reducing teaching time by 30% to make room for clubs and special activities, replacing traditional podiums and desks with curved ones, eliminating the ringing of bells to allow each class to set its own schedule, combining 60-minute lessons with 20-minute short sessions, and quickly integrating AI devices once large AI models gained widespread recognition.

Over the years, Liu has proposed suggestions on various issues, including the governance of reducing burdens, improving quality, protecting minors, evaluation reform, and addressing educational imbalances. In 2022, she also called for regulating the after-school tutoring market and addressing behaviors that disrupt the ecosystem of foundational education.

It is worth noting that some of these reforms caused controversy after being proposed. Nonetheless, under Liu Xiya's leadership, Xiejiawan Primary School has become a model of educational reform that has attracted attention nationwide, with frequent visits from the Ministry of Education and media for research.

As a deputy to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, Liu has focused all her suggestions on education. This year, she submitted a motion to strengthen international cooperation, emphasizing that with one of the world’s largest school-age children populations, China’s foundational education achievements are valuable and should be shared globally.