Jang Seok-woong, Jeonnam Superintendent of Education, Holds '2nd Anniversary Online Press Conference'

Education Superintendent Jang Seok-woong Emphasizes 'A Sustainable Jeonnam Future Education Where Everyone Shines'

Jeong Seok-woong, Superintendent of Jeonnam Education Office, held a non-face-to-face '2nd Anniversary Press Conference' on the 29th due to the impact of COVID-19. Photo by Jeonnam Office of Education

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Jang Seok-ung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Education, who marked his 2nd anniversary in office, expressed a strong determination to leap toward "a sustainable future education in Jeonnam where everyone shines."

On the 29th, Superintendent Jang held a live-streamed press conference on the YouTube Jeonnam Education TV channel to mark his 2nd anniversary in office, stating, "The future accelerated by COVID-19, low birthrate, and aging population have brought new changes and challenges to the education field," and added, "In the remaining two years, we will steadily lay the foundation for a sustainable leap forward in Jeonnam's educational future."

He continued, "To proactively prepare for the post-COVID era, we will create 'Smart Jeonnam Schools,'" adding, "We will realize this by completing a learner-friendly remote learning platform, distributing tablets and laptops for classes, and establishing future-oriented edutech such as online learning cafes and class studios."

As five core tasks to realize "Sustainable Jeonnam Future Education," he presented ▲ competency-based curriculum linking life and knowledge ▲ fostering small but strong Jeonnam-type strong schools ▲ inclusive and fair responsible education ▲ transition to learner-centered Jeonnam education ▲ autonomous and cooperative Jeonnam education.

Additionally, he proposed operating a creative convergence curriculum linked with AI and software education, creating operational models for small schools by type, expanding universal living and learning welfare, normalizing professional learning communities, and expanding opportunities for parental and community participation.

Superintendent Jang reflected, "Over the past two years since taking office, prioritizing the upright growth and change of students and focusing education on students and classrooms have brought many meaningful changes to the field."

Achievements since taking office include ▲ enhancing school operational autonomy ▲ establishing school support centers in 22 education support offices nationwide for the first time ▲ expanding voluntary teacher learning organizations and professional learning communities ▲ operating Jeonnam-type youth future challenge projects ▲ establishing regional college entrance support centers ▲ Jeonnam innovative customized (JOBs) education for companies.

He emphasized, "We converted all high school meals in the province to free meals and realized full free high school education two years ahead of the government's plan in September last year," adding, "To guarantee basic academic skills, we reduced the number of students per first-grade class in city and town areas to 25, assigned dedicated teachers responsible for basic academic skills, and introduced EduTaxi for the first time nationwide to improve student commuting conditions."

In particular, he announced that by cooperating with local governments, they operated 22 innovative education districts, increasing village schools from only 3 in 2018 to 206, realizing 'schools within villages, villages within schools,' and established 'Education Participation Committees' in Jeonnam Province and all 22 cities and counties, where residents' participation becomes policy.

Superintendent Jang promised, "We will further develop these achievements made over the past two years and address limitations by establishing the 'Jeonnam Future Education Comprehensive Development Plan' to transform schools so that children can prepare for a future where life competencies are more important than knowledge."

He concluded, "Although Jeonnam is located on the periphery, we will demonstrate the dynamism and creativity that the periphery possesses to proactively open the future beyond innovation," and added, "With the conviction that our children can definitely receive better education in Jeonnam, we will vigorously move forward for tomorrow."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.