4.23
22
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An analysis of the Board's activities and deliberations during
the 1976-78 term of office has shown that of the important educational
items referred to the Board during this period, the Board's contribution
resulted in major changes in the government's decision in about a quarter
of the cases (notably those concerning sixth form education and proposals
for an overall review of education), in minor changes in half of the
cases (for example: replacement of the SSEE, aspects of senior secondary
and tertiary education, secondary expansion and the role of private
schools) and in no basic change in the remaining cases (for example:
revision of school fees, rehabilitation services and selection and
allocation for post-Form III education). It should be emphasised that
the Board's contribution is not regarded as nullified when its comments
or recommendation have not resulted in a modification of the government's
proposals. Its endorsement of certain items, with or without reservations,
does reassure the government that it is proceeding on acceptable lines.
Educational planning
4.24
The day-to-day routine planning of higher education proceeds
individually within the two universities and the Polytechnic according
to their own autonomous planning systems
though these will follow
broad policy guidelines agreed between the government and the individual
institutions in the light of UPGC advice. The approved post-secondary
colleges are also (as private institutions) responsible for their own
planning, subject to the legal requirements of the Post Secondary Colleges
Ordinance and, in the case of the two government-assisted colleges, to
the conditions attaching to the grant of financial assistance. Below this
level, educational planning is largely the operational responsibility of
the Education Department, working in close consultation with other
government departments or policy and resource branches of the Government
Secretariat as occasion demands. The flow-chart (B) at appendix F
represents the normal planning process, though exceptions may arise in
particular instances.