The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals:

     The Chairperson of the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals (COTAP), Dr Carrie Willis, today (January 18) welcomed the education initiative on a three-year paid non-local study leave scheme for serving secondary school teachers to be implemented in the 2017/18 school year as announced in the Chief Executive's 2017 Policy Address.

     "The study leave scheme is a good starting point and is in line with COTAP's vision of building 'A Learning Profession of Vibrancy, A Teaching Profession of Excellence' by promoting and supporting the continuing professional development (CPD) of teachers.

     "According to an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report, teacher quality is widely recognised as the single most important factor influencing student achievement. I am very glad to see the Government attach much importance to teachers' CPD and has created more space for teachers to be engaged in CPD activities," Dr Willis said.

     "I am sure participating teachers in the study leave scheme will be able to broaden their professional perspective. I also hope that the scheme will offer new insights for the Education Bureau to explore new types and modes of training programmes for our teachers in future," she added.

Ends/Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:40

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