The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:

The Education Commission (EC) discussed at its meeting today (June 29) the progress of implementing the education reform and the approach for coordinating the implementation of the reform in future.

Dr. the Honourable Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, J.P., Chairman of the EC, said, "We would continue to follow the directions of the reform, which are 'life-long learning' and 'all-round development'. We would also adhere to the 'student-focused' principle, and continue to implement the reform measures in a step-by-step approach. Due to the wide scope of the reform, it is necessary to strengthen coordination, define the division of responsibilities clearly, monitor the progress of various key areas closely and provide sufficient support to facilitate the effective co-ordination of the reform efforts. To this end, in accordance with the blueprint for the education reform, we have consolidated the work of the reform into the following seven key areas --- language education, curriculum reform, support for schools, professional development, admission systems, assessment mechanisms and increase of post-secondary education opportunities."

"For each of the above key areas, we have identified all the involved executive and advisory bodies and the area of responsibilities for each of them so as to delineate the division of responsibilities more clearly. Furthermore, the party which oversees each area will set out a critical path for the implementation work within its respective sphere. A mechanism will be in place for these responsible bodies to report progress in the respective key areas to the EC on a regular basis. The EC is responsible for monitoring the progress of the work in the above seven key areas, co-ordinating the work of different bodies on interface issues, and advising the Government on how to implement the reform more smoothly and effectively. The EC will report progress to the public on a half-yearly basis so as to enhance the transparency."

In the meantime, the EC is conducting reviews on the academic structure for senior secondary education as well as the development of post-secondary and continuing education, and will submit recommendations to the Government in due course. Moreover, a joint working group formed by the Education Department and the Social Welfare Department is currently conducting a review on the unification of the systems of kindergartens and child-care centres. The EC will closely monitor the progress of this review, and provide advice as appropriate.

"The education reform is a very important task which has far-reaching impacts. Its success hinges on the support and collaboration of school sponsoring bodies, principals, teachers, parents and different sectors of the community. It is encouraging to note that quite a number of schools have proactively put various reform measures into implementation in the classroom. I recognize that schools and teachers would need to overcome some practical problems in implementing the reform. The EC will work in collaboration with all the relevant advisory and executive bodies to study in what ways further support may be provided to schools and teachers. We will also keep close contact with all the concerned parties so as to enhance the transparency of our work, and we will collate more views and advice in an effort to achieve the best results of the reform," Dr Wong added.

Ends/Friday, June 29, 2001