LCQ 8: Teaching by subject specialists

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Following is a question by the Hon Ho Chung-tai and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li, in the Legislative Council today (Oct 27):

Question:

Regarding the Government's plan to introduce "teaching by subject specialists" in primary schools for the subjects of Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the time of launching the plan and its details;

(b) of the estimated average number of additional teachers that each primary school has to employ because of the implementation of the plan; and

Reply¡G

Madam President:

(a) The government plans to increase the teacher-to-class ratio for eligible whole day primary schools from 1.4:1 to 1.5:1 with effect from 2005/06 school year. The objective is to reduce teachers' teaching workload, to enable the language and mathematics teachers to focus more on teaching the subjects they profess in to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness and professional development of teachers. Specialised teaching will start with English Language first, to be followed by Mathematics or Chinese Language. The government has no intention to introduce additional qualifications or training requirements in implementing this initiative.

(b) The provision of additional posts subject to a maximum of 3 for each school is determined by the number of classes. For example, a whole day primary school with 30 classes will receive 3 additional teachers' provision.

(c) Specialised teaching is already common in secondary schools. Secondary schools classes, especially those at the senior secondary levels, are usually taught by subject-trained teachers. EMB will continue to encourage specialised teaching through professional development of teachers and flexible use of resource by schools to create space for teachers to focus on the teaching of their subject discipline.

Ends/Wednesday, October 27, 2004

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