Page 15 - Progress Report

a soft target of 150 CPD hours in each three-year Hong Kong is often highly commended by overseas
cycle, which has since been put into practice and education experts for its school-based approach in
supported by the profession. promoting the professional development of the
teaching profession. SBM has been implemented
Separately, on school leadership, having articulated in the school sector since 1999, whereby schools

the underpinnings of CPD for principals, the are given autonomy and entrusted with the
Education Bureau (EDB) prescribed in 2002 a responsibility for student-centred and quality-
structure of six core areas of leadership required focused curriculum design and delivery, resources

of the principals (including strategic direction management, transparent and accountable
and policy environment; learning, teaching and school governance and day-to-day administration.
curriculum; teacher professional growth and Through SBM, schools exercise this greater
development; staff and resources management; autonomy and responsibility, taking into account
quality assurance and accountability; and external their own strengths and characteristics. They have

communication and connection to the outside more space to create an enabling environment
world). These elements have since guided the conducive to continuous school improvement,
overarching professional development and and put in place a rigorous mechanism for school

leadership programmes for aspiring, newly- self-evaluation of the quality of their learning and
appointed and serving principals. The Government teaching, so that student learning and growth will
received advice from the then Steering Committee benefit. School-based decisions and leadership
on Principals’ Professional Development (SCPPD) have, thus, become more important and school
on the certification of aspiring principals and the leaders, including principals, vice-principals, middle

professional development of newly-appointed and leaders, school managers and school supervisors
serving principals. Annex I gives an overview of have to work in close collaboration with one another
these policies. in driving school improvement and enhancing

governance.
13