ENG-2000 — Page 191

EDUCATION

reform serves to establish a client-based culture, enhance the department's professional capabilities, as well as redefine its roles and relationship with all stakeholders with the ultimate aim of enhancing the quality of education. In July, four Regional Education Offices were set up to provide comprehensive and integrated services to schools and the general public.

The Quality Education Fund has continued to provide an efficient channel of resources for innovation in the areas of effective learning, school-based management, all-round education, information technology and education research.

To meet the needs of a knowledge-based economy, tertiary institutions must now consolidate and strive for enhanced quality. They are encouraged to develop their academic strengths into internationally recognised ‘areas of excellence'.

Regulatory Legislation

School education services come under the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279). School operators must comply with the provisions of the ordinance and the Education Regulations covering areas such as registration of schools, teachers and managers, health and safety requirements, fees and charges and teacher qualifications. A comprehensive review of the Education Ordinance and the Education Regulations. was conducted in 2000. To better meet the present day operational needs of schools and the Education Department, the Administration introduced an Education (Amendment) Bill in the 2000-01 legislative session to update a number of provisions of the ordinance and the regulations.

The Vocational Training Council Ordinance provides for the establishment, functions and management of the Vocational Training Council, which is the main body responsible for vocational education and technical training. The Post- Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320) covers institutions offering post-secondary courses outside the tertiary sector. The Education Scholarships Fund Ordinance (Cap. 1085) provides for the administration of scholarships donated by members of the public.

The Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance (Cap. 493) took effect in June 1997 to protect Hong Kong consumers by guarding against the marketing of sub-standard non-local courses conducted in Hong Kong.

The Government's Role

The Secretary for Education and Manpower, who heads the Education and Manpower Bureau of the Government Secretariat, formulates and reviews education policy, secures funds in the government budget, and oversees the effective implementation of educational programmes.

The Director of Education, who heads the Education Department, implements policies at kindergarten, primary and secondary levels. The department's main responsibilities include the provision and allocation of public sector school places; provision of education opportunities for children with special educational needs; development of school curricula; assurance of school education quality; monitoring of teaching standards; and support to schools with public funding and other facilities. The department also contributes to policy development and review.

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