The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:

The Chairman of the Education Commission (EC), Dr Rosanna Wong, today (November 11) welcomed the release of a document entitled "Towards A Learning Profession - The Teacher Competencies Framework and the Continuing Professional Development of Teachers" by the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications (ACTEQ).

"I would like to thank the Chairman and Members of the ACTEQ for their invaluable contribution to the formulation of a Teacher Competencies Framework as well as the Policy Framework for Teachers' Continuing Professional Development," she said.

"Teachers are the key drivers in implementing the Education Reform. To realise the vision of providing quality education to our students, we count on the proficiency and skills of the teaching force. We believe that through continuous professional development, the abilities of the teachers could be enhanced," she added.

"We hope that school principals would proactively help promote and facilitate the professional growth of teachers. We look to school principals for their support and encouragement in this aspect," Dr Wong said.

"We fully endorse the ACTEQ proposals and we look forward to receiving the support and co-operation of the teaching profession," she added.

Ends/Tuesday, November 11, 2003