Education Commission

The commission advises the government on the development of education
as a whole in the light of community needs. Its terms of reference are to
define overall educational objectives, formulate education policy, and
recommend priorities for implementation, having regard to resources
available; co-ordinate and monitor the planning and development of
education at all levels; and initiate educational research.

It has 21 members, of whom 19, including the chairman, are appointed
from outside the government to bring a wide range of personal and
professional experience to its deliberations. They include the chairmen of
the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications, the
Board of Education, the University Grants Committee and the Vocational
Training Council. Others include educators and administrators from the
tertiary, secondary, primary and pre-primary sectors, a member of the
Provisional Legislative Council, and representatives from the business
sector. The two government members are the Secretary for Education
and Manpower, who is the vice-chairman, and the Director of Education.

During the year, the commission published its Report No. on 'Quality
School Education', which is a comprehensive strategy to promote a
quality culture in the school system; provide a practical framework for
schools to achieve the aims of education in an efficient, cost-effective and
accountable manner; facilitate quality assurance and development; provide
incentives for quality performance; and enhance the professional
standards of front-line education workers. The government accepted the
report in October 1997.

In May 1997, the commission accepted a proposal by its Working Group
on the General Teaching Council to set up such a council to enhance the
standard of teaching and professional development of teachers, to
maintain the integrity of the profession and to raise the professional
esteem of teachers. A Preparatory Committee was set up under the
commission in September 1997 to work out the detailed arrangements for
establishing the council.

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