ENG-2004 — Page 218

180 Education

Language Education

The SCOLAR was set up in 1996 to advise the Government on language education issues in general. The Standing Committee identifies research and development projects necessary for the enhancement of language proficiency, and advises the Trustee of the Language Fund on the policy and procedures governing the operation of the fund. By year-end, the Language Fund has disbursed about $768.25 million for 292 approved projects aimed at enhancing the language proficiency of the population.

Native-speaking English Teachers (NETs) are recruited to public sector schools to teach English. They also help change teaching practices by working with local English teachers to make the learning of English more interesting. At present, about 470 NETS are serving in secondary schools, and some 310 in primary schools. More NETs are being recruited to teach in primary schools.

Professional Development at Schools

Teachers' Professional Development

The ACTEQ has set up a Steering Committee on Teachers' Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to disseminate good practices and provide support to teachers, principals and the school management in developing their school-based CPD policy. ACTEQ will further examine pre-service teacher education in collaboration with teacher education institutions, strengthen induction support for beginning teachers and sustain the momentum for teachers' continuing professional development.

Principals' Professional Development

The Government has introduced a professional development framework for principals whereby all serving principals are required to undertake continuing professional development every year, and new principals should have attained the Certification of Principalship before they are considered for appointment. The Government has also set up a Principal Support Network to facilitate professional sharing and learning among serving principals. Besides, the Government has organised a wide range of professional development programmes for serving and newly appointed principals, vice principals and senior teachers aspiring to become principals.

Hong Kong Teachers' Centre

The Hong Kong Teachers' Centre (HKTC) was set up in 1989 to promote professionalism and a sense of unity among teachers. It organised or assisted in organising 670 professional or personal development activities for 78 000 participants to support the curriculum reform, and promote quality teaching and learning in 2004. The HKTC also disseminates information on current educational issues and other resource materials to teachers, and organises educational conferences annually.