Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.1

Do SSBs / SMCs / IMCs have the authority to endorse principals’ CPD activities?

A.1

SSBs / SMCs / IMCs are entrusted with the responsibility to endorse principals’ CPD activities based on the set of criteria listed in Section 3.4.3 of the Guidelines for Principals’ CPD along the line as how the Education Bureau endorses its CPD activities for principals.

Q.2

Why should principals’ CPD plans be included in the Annual School Plans?

A.2

As principals should draw up their CPD plans in accordance with their personal developmental needs, the schools’ needs and the policy-driven needs, their CPD plans should link with schools’ development for the betterment of students and staff. 

Q.3

Are principals allowed to carry forward their CPD hours from one school to another?

A.3

For developmental purpose, principals can carry forward CPD hours from one school to another within the same CPD cycle. However, principals cannot carry forward CPD hours gained in one CPD cycle to another even in the same school (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 5.3.1).

Q.4

Can principals opt not to undertake any CPD activities in a year or two within a three-year CPD cycle if the 150-hour requirement can be met at the end of a three-year cycle?

A.4

In line with the spirit of “continuing professional development”, principals should, in consultation with their SSBs / SMCs / IMCs, set a minimum number of CPD hours for activities to be undertaken by them per year in a three-year cycle. (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 4.3)

Q.5

Can principals choose to undertake CPD activities in just one or two modes?

A.5

For an all-round professional development, principals are required to undertake all the three modes of CPD activities, namely, structured learning, action learning and service to education and the community. However, to suit their individual needs, principals are given the flexibility to set a maximum of 90 hours and a minimum of 30 hours for each mode in a three-year cycle, which is generally accepted by the education sector. (Ref.: Guidelines, part 2, point 2, under “Serving Principals”).

Q.6

What’s the role of SSBs / SMCs / IMCs in principals’ CPD?

A.6

In principals’ CPD, SSBs / SMCs / IMCs play a distinct role in: 

(1) drawing up timely principals' succession plans and nominating candidates to undergo the CFP process (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 5.1.1);

(2) motivating and monitoring principals' CPD for students' ultimate benefit (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 6.3);

(3) nominating newly appointed principals to attend the NAP programme (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 3.3);

(4) endorsing CPD plans of newly appointed principals (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 5.2.2);

(5) endorsing the professional portfolio of newly appointed principals (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 5.2.3);

(6) advising serving principals on their CPD plans and rendering them support (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 5.3.2);

(7) advising principals to set a minimum number of CPD hours per year in a three-year cycle (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 4.3);

(8) endorsing principals' CPD activities (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 3.4.3); and

(9) endorsing serving principals' CPD records at the end of each year / each three-year cycle (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 5.3.3).

Q.7

In what ways will principals who fail to fulfill the CPD requirements be dealt with?

A.7

We have the belief that principals have a mandate to be professionally up-to-date and provide a role model for their own teaching staff in terms of CPD (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 1.3.1). SSBs / SMCs / IMCs also play a key role in supporting and monitoring principals’ CPD in conjunction with the support rendered by Regional Education Offices. In case of genuine hardship, SSBs / SMCs / IMCs can allow principals failing to meet the CPD requirements in a three-year cycle to make up for the shortfall within the following CPD cycle (Ref.: Guidelines, Section 5.3.4).

CFP

Certification for Principalship

CPD

Continuing Professional Development

IMC

Incorporated Management Committee

NAP

Newly Appointed Principal

SMC

School Management Committee

SSB

School Sponsoring Body

Guidelines

Guidelines for Principals' CPD