In June 2006, three representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) traveled to Beijing, People's Republic of China to participate in the China-U.S. Education Leadership Conference.  The conference had five strands: Best Practices for Developing Educational Leaders, Leadership for Curriculum and Instruction, Data-Driven Decision Making for School Leaders, Leadership in Educational Technology, and Developing Professional Learning Communities.  The conference provided opportunities for building ongoing partnerships with Chinese colleagues and for dispelling myths, misconceptions, and prejudices among the two of the most powerful nations in the world.  Dr. Nancy Grasmick made opening remarks to the conference.  Mary Cary presented the Maryland Instructional Framework, and Jim Foran presented the Leadership Succession Planning Guide for Maryland Schools.  MSDE looks forward to building increasingly stronger ties with our Chinese colleagues.