The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:

The Education Commission (EC), at its meeting today (Monday), reviewed the progress of the current public consultation on the proposed framework for education reform.

The Chairman of the EC, Mr Antony Leung said: "We note that the consultation has stimulated active public discussion about the EC's proposed framework for education reform. Members of the various sectors of the community have expressed their views through different channels, including the mass media, seminars organised by the EC/other parties or by sending their written comments to us directly.

"Notes on the discussion made at the two topical seminars recently organised by the EC on continuing education and higher education have been uploaded to the EC website for public information," he added.

"We will hold four other topical seminars in the next few weeks to exchange views with members of the public on issues concerning the curriculum reform, the assessment mechanisms, the admission systems for primary and secondary schools, early childhood education and teachers' role and professional development in relation to the reform. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

"The consultation period will last until December 15. We strongly encourage all members of the public to contribute their views and suggestions on the proposed framework. Your ideas will form the basis upon which we will draw up detailed reform proposals in the third stage of the review," Mr Leung said.

Ends/Monday, October 25, 1999