Students with disabilities also attend in-person classes up to level 2.5... Additional staff support provided

School Attendance Operation Considering Local Infection Trends
One-on-One Face-to-Face Education Possible from Level 3
Emergency Care Support to Be Provided for Special Schools

On the 19th, when in-person classes for kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide were expanded following the adjustment to Level 1 social distancing, children were attending school at Munbaek Elementary School in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul. According to the education sector, from this day forward, the number of students attending school nationwide has been increased to two-thirds capacity. Schools in the metropolitan area, large schools, and overcrowded classes must adhere to this standard, but non-metropolitan areas are allowed to adjust density based on their circumstances, making full in-person attendance for all students possible. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] From the new semester in March, students with disabilities will attend school every day up to social distancing level 2.5.

On the 23rd, the Ministry of Education announced the '2021 New Semester Educational Support Plan for Students with Disabilities.' This is a follow-up measure to the 2021 academic operation support plan announced last month, outlining the principles and support measures for attendance at special schools and special classes in general schools.

This year, special schools and special classes will, in principle, attend school up to social distancing level 2.5, but operation may vary depending on regional infection trends and school conditions. At level 3, one-on-one or one-on-two face-to-face education can be provided to support customized education for students with disabilities. If students with underlying health conditions do not wish to attend or cannot participate, alternative learning materials such as learning kits will be provided.

The Ministry of Education will temporarily support an additional 374 personnel for special classes in elementary schools to ensure stable academic operations and enhance inclusive education. In cooperation with universities, about 700 prospective special education teachers will support educational activities in special classes at kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools.

A remote education platform accessible to students with disabilities will be established, and learning materials will be developed. An environment will be implemented that provides services such as assistive devices like switches and scanning, alternative text, real-time caption support, and playback speed control. An AI-based voice recognition caption support program, 30 special school experience classrooms, and 2 experience buses will also be operated.

Care and quarantine support tailored to the situation of students with disabilities and school characteristics will be provided. Special schools will offer emergency care to all students in need of care. Support personnel for care participation will be expanded in special classes, and operations will be linked with community after-school activity providers. A special inspection period will be operated for two weeks to manage quarantine for the new semester. Five behavioral intervention support centers will be established for students struggling with COVID-19 maladjustment, and behavioral intervention programs linked with families will also be supported.

Jeon Jin-seok, Director of Student Support at the Ministry of Education, said, "The Ministry of Education will cooperate with metropolitan and provincial offices of education to thoroughly prepare for the new semester so that our students can attend school safely every day and provide meticulous support."