If Autonomous Private High Schools Convert to General High Schools, Support Funds Offered... Jo Hee-yeon Presents 'Carrot'

Proposal to Provide 'Support Funds' Usable for Operating and Personnel Expenses During Transition to General High Schools
Consulting and Official Investigations for Girls' Middle and High Schools Regulating Underwear Colors
Rapid PCR Pilot Introduced Ahead of Full Return to School in Second Semester... Starting with 5 Schools

Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, is delivering a greeting at the New Teacher Growth Support Program held on the 12th at Gajaeul Middle School in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Superintendent Cho participated in this program as the first mentor for new secondary school teachers under the jurisdiction of the Western Education Support Office. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, announced support for tuition fee reductions equivalent to free education levels if autonomous private high schools (Jasago) convert to general high schools.

On the 10th, Superintendent Cho held a press conference at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and presented a comprehensive support plan for Jasago converting to general high schools. Cho said, "We need to move away from uniform education focused on entrance exams and competition, so that students can choose subjects that match their interests and aptitudes and design their own career paths regardless of which school they attend," adding, "This is to move together toward a new high school system where horizontal diversity can flourish."

The most eye-catching point is the 'General High School Conversion Support Fund.' The education office decided to support tuition fee reductions for current students equivalent to the level of free education. This takes into account past difficulties in school operations caused by refusal to pay tuition or transfers immediately after conversion to general high schools. The support fund can be allocated for staff salaries, school operating expenses, and facility and equipment costs. Recognizing that many Jasago face financial difficulties due to challenges in recruiting new students, this is a strategy to encourage Jasago to convert to general high schools ahead of the full conversion in 2025.

In preparation for the high school credit system fully implemented in 2025, support will also be provided for operating distinctive curricula. From the first year of conversion, 1 to 2 classes of new students can pilot a 'Subject-Focused Demonstration Course,' and the 'Science-Focused Class Selection Method' will be applied to allow lottery assignment of interested students before the second semester high school placement.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will also conduct consulting and official investigations targeting schools that regulate even students' underwear colors. To guarantee the right to express individuality, excessive regulations in 31 girls' middle and high schools will be urged to be corrected. If not corrected, enforcement will be compelled through official investigations.

Before full reopening in the second semester, a 'Quarantine Safety Establishment Plan' has been prepared. From July, a rapid PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that can confirm infection status within 1 to 2 hours will be piloted at five schools including dormitory schools and special schools. This testing method was used at Seoul National University. A multi-testing system combining self-test kits used in dormitory schools with over 100 students and mobile specimen team PCR tests will be established to prepare for full reopening.

Additionally, extra support will be provided for school quarantine personnel, health support instructors, and meal assistance staff. Physical activity programs that can be conducted in spaces allowing social distancing will be distributed, and expert counseling and linked treatment support for psychological quarantine will also be operated.

Superintendent Cho said, "We need to go beyond the existing centrally controlled quarantine measures and provide more proactive and preemptive support."

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