Lee Ju-ho: "Expansion of Autonomous Private High Schools Caused Side Effects of High School Ranking"

Lee Ju-ho, Designer of the High School Diversification 300 Project, Admits Side Effects
Expresses "Strong Agreement" on Customized Academic Achievement Assessment

Education Minister nominee Lee Ju-ho is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 28th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] At the confirmation hearing for Lee Ju-ho, nominee for Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, he acknowledged the side effects of high school ranking caused by the policy to expand autonomous private high schools (Jasago).

At the hearing held at the National Assembly on the 28th, Lee said, "I believe there were definitely side effects where the so-called high school diversification policy led to ranking," adding, "I think a new framework is needed while supplementing those parts."

This was in response to a question from Park Kwang-on, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asking whether he thought the policy to expand Jasago worsened educational disparities. Lee explained, "When Jasago was first designed, the intention was to provide opportunities to socially disadvantaged groups, and efforts were made to invest the resources saved from Jasago into local public high schools."

He continued, "When the diversification policy was introduced, it was meant to complement equalization, and if problems arise in diversification, I think the direction should be individualization," adding, "If customized education is possible for each student, I believe the issues with diversification can also be resolved."

The 'High School Diversification 300 Project' that Lee implemented while serving as Minister of Education during the MB administration designated 150 dormitory-type public high schools, 100 autonomous private high schools, and 50 Meister high schools as a policy introduced to reduce private education expenses.

This policy has been criticized for deepening educational polarization between Jasago and general high schools and causing ranking among schools. The number of Jasago, which once reached 54 schools, has decreased to 35 currently and will be reduced to 33 next year.

Lee, who was criticized for 'competitive education' due to the nationwide standardized test, also expressed strong support for computer-based tailored diagnostic assessments.

When Kim Byung-wook, a member of the People Power Party, mentioned the collective bargaining contents of teacher organizations refusing diagnostic assessments such as academic achievement evaluations and pointed out, "Regardless of individual or school ranking, CBT (computer-based testing) should allow student individual assessments to be conducted frequently and whenever desired," Lee responded, "I completely agree."

Lee explained, "There have been many conflicts regarding assessments so far, and I think there were problems centered on paper-based tests in the past," adding, "Using edutech technology, customized assessments are possible, and there is no reason to conduct assessments at the same time. The Ministry of Education has also prepared plans and is currently promoting such measures."

Regarding this, independent lawmaker Min Hyung-bae asked, "Is it correct that you said you will not conduct nationwide standardized tests but will conduct sample evaluations?" to which Lee replied, "Yes."