HONG-KONG CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY - SCHOOL LEADER PERCEPTIONS OF THE EFFECTS ON EDUCATIONAL-POLICY AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

This study captures the thoughts and perceptions of a group of Hong Ko ng principals on the transfer of sovereignty and its effects on educat ion. The investigation addressed the following guiding research questi on. What, according to their perceptions, have been and will be the ef fects on education policy and on school-level management and curriculu m, of the transfer of sovereignty? A qualitative approach was adopted, using naturalistic methods of inquiry. Nine principals of aided secon dary schools were selected for interview according to procedures of pu rposive sampling. The findings indicate that, faced with uncertainty a rising from the change of sovereignty, principals feel confident of ma naging and coping with situations at the school level in connection wi th the curriculum and management. However, they express concern and gr eater uncertainty about their ability to manage changes emanating in t he broader sociopolitical educational environment, particularly with r egard to values and norms and access and opportunity, all of which are likely to impact on their schools.