Chinese education providers saw a slump in stock prices as Beijing announced that private schools should adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party under a new law. Experts consider that the regime plans to further erode the operational independence of the education system. The amended Private Education Promotion Law highlights the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), requiring party members to take part in decision-making and supervisory processes, as well as specified educational activities at private schools. “The supervisory body should include representatives of grassroots organizations of the Party,” said in a press release from China’s State Council on May 14. “[Private schools should] adhere to the direction of socialism, … to strengthen the education of the core socialist values of the educated,” according to Article Four of the new regulation, which will come into effect on Sept. 1. The policy indicates that foreign-invested or foreign-controlled organizations may …