Ministry of Education: "100% Attendance for Special Schools, 98% for Special Classes in 1st Semester"

Promotion of Family Support and Behavior Intervention Projects for Students with Disabilities in the Second Semester

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] It has been revealed that special schools, which were prioritized for in-person attendance in the first semester, conducted 100% in-person classes.

On the 21st, the Ministry of Education announced that as of the 15th, 187 special schools conducted 100% in-person classes, and general schools with special classes installed conducted 97.9% (8,645 schools) in-person classes.

Participation rates in after-school programs have also recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels. The after-school participation rate in the first semester was 66.3% for special schools and 77.9% for special classes. Last year, participation dropped to 25.4% for special schools and 32.4% for special classes but has now returned to 2019 levels.

The Ministry of Education and metropolitan/provincial offices of education prioritized vaccination for special education workers (faculty, assistants, etc.) to create safe conditions for in-person classes. They have strengthened related support such as expanding support personnel deployment and adjusting density in dormitories and school buses.

As support personnel for special schools, 259 contract teachers, 579 prospective special education teachers, and 1,822 auxiliary personnel for quarantine and other tasks were additionally deployed. From the start of the semester in March until June, there were a total of 28 confirmed COVID-19 cases in special schools, fewer than the 52 cases during last year’s major outbreak.

In the second semester, special schools and special classes can conduct full in-person classes up to the new 3-step social distancing level. Even at level 4, one-on-one or one-on-two face-to-face classes are possible.

From the second semester, the Ministry of Education will strengthen emotional and behavioral support and family support linking local communities, homes, and schools for students with disabilities. Approximately 3,000 students with disabilities, 2,500 siblings, and 4,500 families will be supported. Remote education programs and immersive content ensuring accessibility by disability type will also be developed and distributed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye stated, "According to the restructured 4-step social distancing system, special schools and special classes will maintain the principle of full in-person attendance up to level 3, and we will do our best to support all students to attend school safely in cooperation with metropolitan and provincial offices of education."

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