ENG-2010 — Page 197

Education 151

Information Technology in Education

The Government is committed to promoting the use of information technology (IT) to improve learning and to equip students with necessary IT skills to meet the challenges of the information age and to become lifelong learners. All schools are connected to the Internet. The student-to-computer ratios are about 4:1 in secondary schools and 6:1 in primary schools.

Language Education

The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research was set up in 1996 to advise the Government on language education matters. It also advises the trustee of the Language Fund on the policy and procedures governing the fund's operation. The fund was set up in 1994 to provide financial support for initiatives to improve Hong Kong people's proficiency in Chinese (including Putonghua) and English.

Native-speaking English Teacher Scheme

The Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme has helped create enriched English language learning environment for students. Through implementing literacy programmes and using language arts resources, NETS working with local English teachers enhance teaching practices and make learning English more interesting for students. There have been changes in classroom practice, with more innovative teaching strategies being adopted. Students have also shown a more positive attitude towards the learning of English. At present, there are some 410 NETS working in secondary schools and around 480 NETs working in primary schools.

Professional Development at Schools

Upgrading Teacher Status

To raise the status and professional standards of teachers, the EDB increased the ratios of graduate teacher posts in public sector primary and secondary schools to 45 per cent and 80 per cent respectively in the 2008-09 school year, and further to 50 per cent and 85 per cent respectively in the 2009-10 school year. A deputy head rank in public sector primary schools was created in the 2008-09 school year.

The EDB continued to organise the Chief Executive's Award for Teaching Excellence (CEATE) to give recognition to accomplished teachers and foster a culture of excellence in the teaching profession. A total of 61 teachers received awards or certificates of merits in the CEATE (2009-2010).

Teachers' Professional Development

With the issue of the 'Third Report on Teachers' Continuing Professional Development (CPD)' in 2009, schools continued to adopt a soft approach to implementing teacher's CPD.

Principals' Professional Development

Serving principals continued to engage in professional development to enhance school leadership. Some 900 aspirants have attained the Certification for Principalship and more than half have become principals.