Jeonbuk Office of Education on In-Person Classes: "Let's Leave It to Schools' Autonomous Judgment"

Emphasizing Quarantine Principles, Calling for Flexibility in Mask Usage

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Geon-ju] As in-person classes are being gradually resumed in schools across the Jeonbuk region, Superintendent Kim Seung-hwan has declared that the Provincial Office of Education will take full responsibility for any issues arising from the return to in-person schooling.

On the 25th, during an expanded executive meeting, Superintendent Kim stated, “There should be no instances where teachers are held individually accountable for decisions made based on their professional judgment at school sites,” adding, “Teachers should clearly understand that the Provincial Office of Education is responsible for any problems related to in-person classes, and it would be good if teachers trust this aspect as well.”

Superintendent Kim also mentioned, “Quarantine measures must be meticulously followed according to established principles,” and emphasized, “However, some discretion should be allowed at the school level.”

This means that decisions such as whether to hold in-person classes every other week or daily, how many minutes each class should last, and how to manage lunch breaks should be made according to each school’s circumstances.

He stressed, “When principles are established and they fit well with the field conditions, this is called ‘concrete validity.’ If the principles are too detailed and meticulous, situations may arise where the principles do not align with the realities on the ground,” adding, “Since schools understand their own situations much better than the Provincial Office of Education, respecting the schools’ autonomous judgment is necessary to maximize concrete validity and empower the principles.”

Additionally, regarding mask usage during physical activities, he emphasized flexible wearing policies that allow close observation and adjustment for students who have respiratory issues.

Superintendent Kim pointed out, “Wearing masks for extended periods during outdoor physical activities can be detrimental to children with weak lungs or hearts,” and noted, “Flexible mask-wearing practices should be implemented.”