Regional Education Offices

Aim

Regional Education Offices (REOs) were set up in July 2000 to forge a closer partnership with schools and to provide comprehensive and integrated services to schools and the public at the district level.

Organisation

Four REOs are located in Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories East and New Territories West respectively. Under the supervision of the Principal Assistant Secretary (School Development), the REOs are headed by four Principal Education Officers. The 18 School Development Sections in the REOs, comprising Education Officers (Administration), Inspectors and Specialists, coordinate with other EDB sections to provide a full range of professional support services to schools, such as school administration, curriculum development, learning and teaching, student guidance and psychological services.

Vision

The REO positions itself to take a lead in education development in its region. It is responsible for, and responsive to, the needs of students, teachers, schools and other stakeholders it serves.

Main Duties

(a)

Enhancing school development

(i)

Facilitating schools to implement School-Based Management which includes supporting schools to devise development plans and conduct self-evaluation

(ii)

Providing school-based support services to schools

(b)

Networking teachers/schools at the district level for dissemination of good practices and experience sharing with a view to promoting quality education

(c)

Implementing policies

(i)

Promoting and implementing policies/initiatives under the Education Reform and Curriculum Reform and supporting schools in their implementation of the policies/initiatives

(ii)

Explaining education policies/initiatives to the community, including District Council members, and enlisting their support in implementation

(d)

Overseeing the quality of education in schools, and providing professional support to schools on administration matters as well as learning and teaching

(e)

Handling matters relating to the closure and reprovisioning of schools

(f)

Regulating kindergartens and other private schools

(i)

Processing applications for fee increase and operation of new courses/subjects

(ii)

Conducting inspections to ensure schools' compliance with the Education Ordinance and the Education Regulations

(g)

Other services

(i)

Answering public enquiries, providing information and handling complaints

(ii)

Providing placement services to newly arrived children and other students who require assistance

(iii)

Representing the Bureau at District Council and related sub-committee meetings

(iv)

Participating in district educational and related functions