Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers

The Hong Kong Government has recently introduced a lot of reforms into schools. To cite an example, the benchmark of English language proficiency assessment, which is quite controversial to teachers, has already launched for years. Without any doubts, no one likes being assessed, but I think it is still a positive means to better the language proficiency of language teachers, enhance their professional teaching image, as well as build up confidence of teachers, students and parents.

From my perspective, Hong Kong being an international city and the window of China to the world, good English language proficiency is necessary that makes us crucial and competitive among other cities in China. I tend to believe that the assessment acts as an impetus to English teachers to better their language proficiency. What is more, good language teachers may help the society maintain the language standard because those teachers who pass the benchmark should have already attained certain language proficiency level.

Second, the benchmark is a uniform exam which is designed for assessing teachers’ language proficiency. The ultimate aim is to improve the language standard of teachers. It is hoped that language teachers will attain the assessment finally. In my opinion, it helps teachers develop their teaching career professionally that also helps them enhance their professional image.

In addition, a teacher who fulfills the benchmark requirement is a kind of recognition to his/her teaching profession. Actually, a professional language teaching team in Hong Kong also gives confidence to students, parents, and teachers themselves.

It cannot be denied that the policy is very controversial, but we should not neglect its value because of its flaws. Those loopholes can be deemed as technical problems. Therefore, I suggested that the government should provide more grants and assistance to the language teachers if they believe that good language teachers are the vital asset of Hong Kong. The Education and Manpower Bureau should also review the assessment to see if there are any necessary improvements or modifications simultaneously.