Operation of 128 Research Schools for the 'High School Credit System' ... Expansion to 600 Leading Schools

Ministry of Education Announces 2019 Operational Performance and Case Studies

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Ahead of the full implementation of the high school credit system in 2025, the number of research schools for the high school credit system will expand to 128 schools, an increase of 26 schools compared to last year. In addition to research schools, the number of leading schools for the high school credit system, which are linked with education office special projects, subject-specialized schools, and subject classroom systems independently operated by cities and provinces, will increase to 600 schools this year.

The Ministry of Education will hold the "2019 High School Credit System Research Schools Winter Workshop and Performance Presentation" at the Dragon City Hotel in Seoul on the 13th and 14th.

At this workshop, key achievements and cases of research schools for the high school credit system, such as student-choice curriculum operation, student-customized learning management, and space creation for the high school credit system, will be shared, and the operational direction for 2020 will be discussed.

Additionally, excellent cases from urban and eup/myeon (township) area schools and research results on the role of education support offices in forming regional-based cooperative bodies to implement the high school credit system will be presented.

Research schools that have been piloting the high school credit system have shown that a student-centered culture is spreading, including active efforts by schools to offer courses and increased willingness of teachers to improve classes. Based on student demand surveys, a variety of courses have been offered beyond Korean, English, and math, including second foreign languages, liberal arts, and specialized subjects, expanding students' class selection rights according to aptitude and academic ability.

The Ministry of Education explained that efforts to improve the quality of classes and evaluations have also been made, such as interdisciplinary classes, activation of professional learning communities, and implementation of process-centered evaluations to increase student satisfaction with classes. Cases of creating school environments suitable for student-choice curricula, such as flexible classrooms that can be used for various purposes and spaces for students' autonomous activities and rest, have also increased.

On the other hand, to establish the high school credit system, it was pointed out that it is necessary to enhance teachers' capabilities regarding curriculum, such as guiding students' course completion and designing/planning curricula at individual schools, and to expand related dedicated personnel. It was also found necessary to seek ways to minimize regional disparities when introducing the high school credit system by supplementing conditions in small rural schools where it is relatively difficult to secure teachers and instructors.

The Ministry of Education plans to increase the number of research schools to 128 this year to stably introduce the high school credit system and expand the base in the field by prioritizing the introduction of the credit system in Meister high schools. The number of leading schools for the high school credit system, which operated in 252 places last year, is planned to increase to 600.

The Ministry of Education will also announce a comprehensive promotion plan for the high school credit system, including specific implementation measures and phased implementation plans, in the second half of this year.

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo Eun-hye said, "The introduction of the high school credit system is an important stepping stone to realizing future education," and added, "We will actively support the excellent achievements of research schools so that they can continue in the field and thoroughly prepare for the full introduction of the high school credit system in 2025."