South Korea's education council faces criticism over exam reform consultations

The National Education Council (NEC) is under fire for its approach to reforming the college entrance examination system, specifically the proposed introduction of essay and short-answer formats. Critics argue that the council has initiated public consultations on these significant changes without adequate prior discussion within the main committee, leading to concerns that the direction has already been decided.

During a plenary session on August 13th, council member Son Deok-je expressed apprehension, stating, "There are concerns in the field that this is a 'guess the answer' type of public hearing, with the answer already decided." He emphasized that introducing absolute grading for both the college entrance exam and internal school assessments, along with essay-style questions, is premature, especially as the high school credit system and the 5-grade internal assessment system have only recently been implemented.

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There are concerns in the field that this is a 'guess the answer' type of public hearing, with the answer already decided.

Another council member, Lee Hyeon, pointed out that NEC members have not even reviewed the materials presented in field discussions or the citizen participation committee's deliberations. "It is appropriate for the NEC's main committee to discuss and finalize proposals first before gathering public opinion," Lee stated.

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It is appropriate for the NEC's main committee to discuss and finalize proposals first before gathering public opinion.

In response to the criticism, NEC Chairperson Cha Jeong-in, who had previously faced backlash for suggesting that extensive reading alone could prepare students for essay-style exams, clarified his stance. He explained that his earlier remarks were intended to convey that public education would adequately prepare for the technical aspects of such exams. Cha also acknowledged the anxieties of parents regarding private education, stating at a parliamentary session the previous day that he does not take these concerns lightly.

Separately, the NEC approved basic principles for national civic education in schools. These principles outline core civic education content, including constitutional values, democratic principles, the limits of freedom and responsibility, truth-seeking attitudes, digital citizenship, and the rejection of hatred and discrimination. The guidelines differentiate between issues with clear right and wrong answers, which should be taught definitively, and controversial social issues, which teachers should present with diverse perspectives while maintaining political neutrality. The NEC aims to incorporate timely public issues into the curriculum and protect teachers from undue external pressure.

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I do not take these concerns lightly.