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"The working group considered that the existing method, while maintaining faimess in allocation, has been able to upkeep a comparatively steady allocation of places for schools.
"In the absence of a better alternative and without re-introducing public test, the SFP Allocation Method is considered by far the best allocation method for the JSEA System," Mr Tong said.
He added that the working group also advised that a review of the existing method should be carried out in conjunction with any new education policy in future having implications on the JSEA System.
On the issue of public consultation on the Report of Special Education, BOE member Dr Simon Leung Man-on reported that two public consultations were conducted last month. Over 500 people from concerned sectors participated.
The Sub-committee on Special Education also received 120 representations from individuals and educational bodies.
"The views expressed at the consultation sessions and written submissions generally support the recommendations of the Special Education Report with some specific recommendations and additional requests," Dr Leung said.
BOE members endorsed the report for presentation to the government.
At the meeting BOE members also agreed to phase out the Qualified Assistant Kindergarten Teacher (QAKT) course.
In explaining, BOE member Irving Koo Yee-yin said in view of the huge number (over 2300) of untrained kindergarten teachers in last October, many of whom did not possess the academic qualification for entry into the QKT course, the QAKT course should be organised for one more year after the 1996/97 school year.
"If the QAKT course had to be organised after the 1996/97 school year, and that the Hong Kong Institute of Education could not absorb the cost of operation in its allocated resources, additional funding would be necessary.
"Under such circumstance, the Hong Kong Institute of Education and other tertiary institutes could be approached for the provision of the additional QAKT courses," he continued.
End