ID :
27685
Fri, 10/31/2008 - 10:23
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/27685
The shortlink copeid
Seoul education board approves int'l middle school in Seoul
By Kim Boram
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Yonhap) -- Seoul's education board on Friday approved the opening of two international middle schools next year, a decision opposed by many as constituting elitist education that could exacerbate the educational gap between the rich and the poor.
The international middle school project, vetoed by the previous liberal
administration, received the nod from Seoul's new education chief, in line with
President Lee Myung-bak's market-oriented education reform drive to enhance
competition at schools and increase the number of elite institutions.
Out of 14 voting members, 10 voted for and one against. There were two no-shows
and one abstention.
The board had convened to study the proposal by the Seoul education office
Thursday evening but could not put it to a vote until early Friday, reflecting
the heated controversy over the issue. The board's own members were unable to
narrow their differences.
The proposal was submitted two weeks ago, but the board had delayed the review
due to loopholes in the system. The two approved schools are expected to open in
March when the new academic year begins.
The move is expected to give momentum for the Seoul Metropolitan Office of
Education, which has been eager to establish the schools since its head Kong
Jeong-taek was reelected in July. Officials say international middle school will
help curb Korea's growing education deficit by absorbing a portion of those
students that are now going abroad for their studies.
All the main curricula at the international schools, except for Korean language
classes, will be taught in English to promote greater proficiency in the
language.
"I will vote in favor of it in consideration of the demand for diversified
education service and globalization," said Lee In-jong, a member of the board.
Critics, however, say that international middle schools will serve as an
exclusive gateway for privileged students to enter top universities and to study
abroad, pointing out that school tuition is likely to cost around 7 million won
(US$5,400) a year.
"There are no countries that provide special education for a privileged class
within the public education frame," said Choi Hong-yi, one of the members who did
not attend the vote to oppose the proposal.
"When the municipal government officially announces the establishment of the
international schools next week, we will file a petition with the Constitutional
Court," said Park Beom, director of the Association of Parents for Real
Education.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Yonhap) -- Seoul's education board on Friday approved the opening of two international middle schools next year, a decision opposed by many as constituting elitist education that could exacerbate the educational gap between the rich and the poor.
The international middle school project, vetoed by the previous liberal
administration, received the nod from Seoul's new education chief, in line with
President Lee Myung-bak's market-oriented education reform drive to enhance
competition at schools and increase the number of elite institutions.
Out of 14 voting members, 10 voted for and one against. There were two no-shows
and one abstention.
The board had convened to study the proposal by the Seoul education office
Thursday evening but could not put it to a vote until early Friday, reflecting
the heated controversy over the issue. The board's own members were unable to
narrow their differences.
The proposal was submitted two weeks ago, but the board had delayed the review
due to loopholes in the system. The two approved schools are expected to open in
March when the new academic year begins.
The move is expected to give momentum for the Seoul Metropolitan Office of
Education, which has been eager to establish the schools since its head Kong
Jeong-taek was reelected in July. Officials say international middle school will
help curb Korea's growing education deficit by absorbing a portion of those
students that are now going abroad for their studies.
All the main curricula at the international schools, except for Korean language
classes, will be taught in English to promote greater proficiency in the
language.
"I will vote in favor of it in consideration of the demand for diversified
education service and globalization," said Lee In-jong, a member of the board.
Critics, however, say that international middle schools will serve as an
exclusive gateway for privileged students to enter top universities and to study
abroad, pointing out that school tuition is likely to cost around 7 million won
(US$5,400) a year.
"There are no countries that provide special education for a privileged class
within the public education frame," said Choi Hong-yi, one of the members who did
not attend the vote to oppose the proposal.
"When the municipal government officially announces the establishment of the
international schools next week, we will file a petition with the Constitutional
Court," said Park Beom, director of the Association of Parents for Real
Education.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
