Selectable Performance and Written Assessments in 2nd Semester... Elementary School Recognizes Video Performance Assessments for All Subjects

Ministry of Education Announces Detailed Support Plans for Second Semester Academic Operations
Recognizing Autonomous Teaching Methods and Easier Attendance Verification

Performance Assessment Videos Allowed for Non-Core Subjects Except Arts and Physical Education
Vocational High Schools to Separate Remote and Face-to-Face Practical Training

The above photo is not related to the article. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] In preparation for the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education plans to allow schools to choose to conduct either performance assessments or written exams for the second semester.

The Ministry of Education announced detailed support measures for academic operations in the second semester on the 6th, including this policy.

Reflecting the COVID-19 situation, a more flexible hybrid teaching method combining online and offline classes will be introduced, along with appropriate attendance verification methods. The Ministry plans to establish specific attendance verification methods by September.

During social distancing levels 1 and 2, schools will be allowed to choose to conduct either performance assessments or written exams. Additionally, to reduce the burden of performance assessments, video assignments that can be recorded at home will be permitted not only for arts and physical education subjects but also for all subjects except major entrance exam subjects. In elementary schools, all subjects can be assessed through video submissions; in middle schools, all subjects except Korean, English, Math, Social Studies, and Science; and in high schools, all subjects except basic and inquiry subjects will be included. Earlier in the first semester, video submissions were excluded due to concerns about parental involvement, but the Ministry explained, "After multiple consultations with representatives of teacher organizations, many agreed that for elementary students, teachers should be entrusted with this responsibility."

At social distancing level 3, where remote classes or school closures are implemented nationwide, evaluations will not be conducted or a PASS system will be introduced for middle school grades 1 and 2. For middle school grade 3 and high school students, minimal assessments such as written exams will be conducted only on limited in-person attendance days.

Various educational activities, including creative experiential activities, will also be conducted using diverse non-face-to-face methods. Depending on the social distancing level, at levels 1 and 2, only a minimal number of participants will be allowed after quarantine measures, and at level 3, only activities feasible remotely will be conducted online.

Vocational high schools, which have many practical classes, will further subdivide remote and face-to-face practical training considering their characteristics to reduce student density. Additionally, the on-site training period at leading companies for employment support will be reduced from 4 weeks to 1 or 2 weeks, and remote interview rooms supporting non-face-to-face job interviews will also be operated.