The National Education Commission is actively considering the introduction of written and essay evaluations in the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) to align with the demands of the AI era. Discussions are also underway regarding a significant overhaul of the college entrance system, including a shift to absolute grading for high school transcripts and the CSAT to alleviate intense competition among students. The Ministry of Education has launched the 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' project to foster regional national universities, signaling a major educational transformation.
On August 5, President Lee Jae-myung held a joint ministry report at the Blue House with the Ministry of Education, the National Education Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Cultural Heritage Administration. In his opening remarks, President Lee noted, "It has been about a year since we took office, and while we have achieved some results, there is still much work ahead." He emphasized the need for swift discussions and tangible outcomes as the meeting commenced.
On August 5, President Lee Jae-myung held a joint ministry report at the Blue House with the Ministry of Education, the National Education Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Cultural Heritage Administration. In his opening remarks, President Lee noted, "It has been about a year since we took office, and while we have achieved some results, there is still much work ahead." He emphasized the need for swift discussions and tangible outcomes as the meeting commenced.
National Education Commission to Engage Public on College Entrance Exam Reforms
A key topic was the announcement by National Education Commission Chairperson Cha Jeong-in regarding the establishment of a 'National Education Development Plan' for 2028-2037. The commission aims to move away from the current education model focused on rote memorization, proposing a fundamental innovation in teaching and evaluation methods to encourage students to explore the essence of subjects and think creatively.
Chairperson Cha identified 'mid- to long-term college entrance system reform' as a central focus. The special committee on college admission systems under the commission is actively considering expanding written and essay evaluations in middle and high schools, as well as introducing them into the CSAT.
In addition to this groundbreaking shift in evaluation methods, the commission is also exploring the transition of high school transcripts and the CSAT to absolute grading to reduce fierce competition among peers. Discussions are also reportedly underway to adjust the timing of college admissions to normalize the academic operations of third-year high school students.
Chairperson Cha emphasized that such impactful reforms will not be implemented unilaterally but will involve public deliberation and consensus-building. Plans include regional discussions, in-depth discussions by a public participation committee, and online feedback from citizens, with the possibility of forming a representative citizen participation group for public surveys if necessary.
Cha stated, "A new educational nation will take responsibility for education, ensuring the right to learn for every citizen, and transforming the vitality of learning into a driving force for national development." He added that the commission aims to expand the concept of talent to all areas that create social value and support individuals in realizing their potential.
The commission plans to announce a draft of the National Education Development Plan by the end of October, following extensive public feedback, with final approval expected by the end of March next year.
Chairperson Cha identified 'mid- to long-term college entrance system reform' as a central focus. The special committee on college admission systems under the commission is actively considering expanding written and essay evaluations in middle and high schools, as well as introducing them into the CSAT.
In addition to this groundbreaking shift in evaluation methods, the commission is also exploring the transition of high school transcripts and the CSAT to absolute grading to reduce fierce competition among peers. Discussions are also reportedly underway to adjust the timing of college admissions to normalize the academic operations of third-year high school students.
Chairperson Cha emphasized that such impactful reforms will not be implemented unilaterally but will involve public deliberation and consensus-building. Plans include regional discussions, in-depth discussions by a public participation committee, and online feedback from citizens, with the possibility of forming a representative citizen participation group for public surveys if necessary.
Cha stated, "A new educational nation will take responsibility for education, ensuring the right to learn for every citizen, and transforming the vitality of learning into a driving force for national development." He added that the commission aims to expand the concept of talent to all areas that create social value and support individuals in realizing their potential.
The commission plans to announce a draft of the National Education Development Plan by the end of October, following extensive public feedback, with final approval expected by the end of March next year.
Ministry of Education Launches Key Initiatives for Regional Development
Following this, Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin reported on the ministry's initiatives under the goal of 'Education for Everyone's Future, an Indispensable Talent Nation.' He outlined five key areas and ten major tasks.
The first initiative is the launch of the 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' project to promote regional balanced development. The ministry plans to quickly select three regional national universities for focused support in growth engines and AI fields, while significantly increasing financial investment in all regional national universities. To attract talented youth to rural areas, the ministry will substantially increase national scholarships for students at regional national universities and reform regional talent scholarships.
The ministry is also accelerating talent development in preparation for the future AI era. It will establish 'AI Advanced Research Classes' in all gifted schools and science high schools nationwide, collaborating with universities and businesses, and will reform existing R&D support from a personal project focus to a university-centered research ecosystem. This aims to create a comprehensive support system from undergraduate to postdoctoral researchers.
Additionally, the ministry is focusing on enhancing 'basic competencies' at the national level. Starting in 2027, the existing basic literacy assessment will be expanded to cover overall literacy, and the number of specialized teachers will be increased. Furthermore, free education and childcare for infants will be extended to age three, with plans to achieve the integration of early childhood education and care during the term to eliminate educational disparities from the outset.
Minister Choi stated, "It is the foundation of education to firmly support all citizens in dreaming of the future," and pledged to execute the key initiatives reported to the public and the president with urgency, aiming for a leap toward becoming an indispensable talent nation through education.
The first initiative is the launch of the 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' project to promote regional balanced development. The ministry plans to quickly select three regional national universities for focused support in growth engines and AI fields, while significantly increasing financial investment in all regional national universities. To attract talented youth to rural areas, the ministry will substantially increase national scholarships for students at regional national universities and reform regional talent scholarships.
The ministry is also accelerating talent development in preparation for the future AI era. It will establish 'AI Advanced Research Classes' in all gifted schools and science high schools nationwide, collaborating with universities and businesses, and will reform existing R&D support from a personal project focus to a university-centered research ecosystem. This aims to create a comprehensive support system from undergraduate to postdoctoral researchers.
Additionally, the ministry is focusing on enhancing 'basic competencies' at the national level. Starting in 2027, the existing basic literacy assessment will be expanded to cover overall literacy, and the number of specialized teachers will be increased. Furthermore, free education and childcare for infants will be extended to age three, with plans to achieve the integration of early childhood education and care during the term to eliminate educational disparities from the outset.
Minister Choi stated, "It is the foundation of education to firmly support all citizens in dreaming of the future," and pledged to execute the key initiatives reported to the public and the president with urgency, aiming for a leap toward becoming an indispensable talent nation through education.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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