Authorities are considering using cultural literacy and efforts to improve campus security as criteria to gauge the professional performance of the headmasters of primary and junior middle schools.

A document issued by the Ministry of Education on Monday states that China will professionally assess the headmasters of compulsory schools in six areas, including their ability to plan their schools' development and create a good environment for teaching, as well as their leadership in curriculum design and teaching.

The ministry also published a draft edition of the criteria for public comment.

According to the draft, exam grades should not be the principals' only focus, adding that they should make more efforts to improve campus culture as part of compulsory education.

The draft requires headmasters to guide the improvement of teachers, optimize schools' internal management and adapt their schools to external development.

The headmasters should have a clear idea about the current situation of their schools and be aware of major problems in the schools' development, the draft said.

The draft also bans headmasters from collecting extra fees in addition to a tuition list approved by the government, as well as prevents headmasters from selling products or services to students at a profit.

The draft calls for headmasters to encourage good teachers and invite both community members and experts to aid in school management and supervision.

The document asks headmasters to lessen academics burdens for students and ensure that each student has at least one hour of physical exercise daily.

The document also requires headmasters to create plans that will guarantee school safety and students' health.

The ministry said the criteria, if approved and put into effect, will be an important factor in the selection, supervision and training of headmasters.