Controlling class size to manage enrollment decline of secondary schools

Abstract

In the recent decade or so, the phenomenon of enrollment decline of secondary schools has been clearly observed in Hong Kong. The significance of this phenomenon has grown over time such that the number of public sector schools has had to be reduced. Meanwhile, an alternative to school closure is to reduce the class size of schools which is however not less controversial. On the surface, the arguments against class size reduction include perceived extra cost per student and ineffectiveness of small class teaching in secondary schools. Hidden in the agenda of the Government could be, arguably, the political difficulty to reverse such class size reduction trend when the enrollment rebounds eventually.

This dissertation reviews how the Government has reacted to the changing situation and developing public concern on the issue, and cautiously evaluates the effectiveness of the Government’s responses. Then, this dissertation explores the literature in public administration in relation to school retrenchment policies, and hence addresses the Hong Kong case accordingly. Finally, recommendations are made along with rationale for the betterment of managing enrollment decline by means of controlled class size subject to a mechanism to be agreed on. In making these recommendations, it is hoped that the policy direction should point to the future, with an aim to look for positive management opportunities while solving problematic phenomenon at the same time.