Page 7 - COTAP Progress Report 2015

but also with positive attitudes and values, as well
as global perspectives and national identity. We
are convinced that the teaching force and school
leadership play pivotal roles in ensuring a high-
quality education system, and that the quality of our
teaching profession, including school leaders, is of
paramount importance for students’ achievement
and whole-person development.
Building on the firm foundation laid down by
ACTEQ in the past, and drawing upon best practices
overseas, we have reviewed both the strengths and
issues of concern in the professional development
of our teaching force and identified priority areas for Odyssey to Excellence.
continuous improvement. We have, since, drawn
up our vision, mission, objectives and strategies to
take these forward.
COTAP’s vision is to foster a robust teaching
profession of excellence in Hong Kong, which in our
view should also be a vibrant learning profession.
Through shared vision, mission, objectives and
strategies, we aim to build a quality teaching
profession comprising teachers and school leaders
who, in pursuit of continuous improvement and
excellence, are focused on student learning and
growth, adroit in reflective and evidence-based
practice, and supportive of school accountability
and effectiveness. As broad strategies, we would
catalyse a paradigm shift in the school sector;
promote use of evidence and data at system, 5
school and individual levels; and build a learning
community and facilitate collaboration, so as
to achieve new heights in school effectiveness,
teacher quality and student performance. Our main
targets are to have school leadership and reflective
culture strengthened, teacher quality enhanced
and a supportive environment put in place for
professional development. During the first phase
of our work, we have drawn up a number of areas
of focus under broad strategies and these will be
further developed rigorously for implementation.
This will be an exciting and challenging journey, an
This Report, being the First Report on COTAP’s
work, presents our thoughts, recommendations and
commitments. We firmly believe that realisation
of our vision requires the sustained joint efforts
and support of all stakeholders. We would deeply
appreciate your views and insights on this Report
and cordially invite you to join hands with us on this
voyage for a Learning Profession of Vibrancy, and a
Teaching Profession of Excellence.
Carrie WILLIS
Chairman, COTAP