An effective quality assurance mechanism enhances accountability and supports ongoing development of schools, as well as learning and teaching (Looney & Grainger Clemson, 2018). The Hong Kong Benchmark for Career and Life Development (HKBM) is designed to provide schools with a holistic school self-evaluation (SSE) mechanism for quality provision of career and life education at schools, enabling them to identify areas for enhancement based on the unique contexts of the school and the specific needs of their students (Holman & Stephen, 2020). A holistic approach of quality assurance mechanism could also engage staff members to work collaboratively in the process, facilitating communication and alignment of planning towards common goals. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of adopting HKBM as the SSE mechanism for continuous school improvement and teachers’ collaboration. Data was collected from 30 schools adopting HKBM as the self-evaluation mechanism. Results demonstrated that schools attained "fully achieved" in benchmarks exhibited an increase from 29% to 54% between their 1st SSE in 2020/21 school year and the 2nd SSE by the end of next school years, and eventually reaching 68% at the 3rd SSE conducted in 2023/24 school year. According to the evaluation survey on career team head teachers, 81% (n=30) considered that the adoption of HKBM can reduce the workload of teachers. The finding suggested that a holistic approach of school self-evaluation mechanism could effectively foster school improvement strategically and collaborative reflective practice of teachers.

Authors:
Ellie Cheung, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Stephen Yip, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Ellie Cheung is currently the Chief Advisor (Schools) of CLAP@JC Project at Research Development Office, The Education University of Hong Kong. Her research interests are in the areas of lifelong learning, workplace learning and career education.

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