Kang Eun-hee, Chairperson of the Education Superintendents Association, "Multiple-choice and Essay-type Evaluations Should Be Conducted in Parallel for College Admissions"

"Need for Further Discussion After the 2028 College Admission Reform Plan"

Kang Eun-hee, the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent and chairperson of the National Council of Provincial Education Superintendents, emphasized the need for reforming the college entrance examination system after the '2028 College Entrance Reform Plan,' stating that "it is difficult to continue the multiple-choice college entrance exam for much longer."

At a press briefing held on the 2nd in Sejong City, Superintendent Kang responded to a question about 'thoughts on the new educational paradigm' by saying, "There is knowledge that must be simply asked and confirmed," but added, "After that, essay-type evaluations should also be implemented."

He further emphasized, "The college entrance system should shift to one that assesses not just the author's thoughts but also my own ideas and proposals based on knowledge," adding, "Only then can school classes be changed." Superintendent Kang added, "If discussions on the educational paradigm began with the 2028 college entrance reform plan, I firmly believe that now it is time for a nationwide discussion."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, regarding reports that the Education Development Committee under the National Education Commission discussed splitting the CSAT into CSAT I, which evaluates language and mathematical skills, and CSAT II, which assesses elective subjects, he dismissed them as "content that did not have everyone's agreement."

Regarding the 2028 college entrance reform plan, he explained, "It is a reform plan reflecting the 2022 curriculum," and added, "We could not ignore practical aspects." He continued, "When absolute evaluation was applied, there was insufficient adjustment by schools, teachers, and education offices, so it was established in a form that combines relative evaluation," and added, "During the agreement on the 2028 reform plan, we also agreed to start discussions on the next college entrance system."

He expressed concerns about whether the related budgets from local governments would be fully transferred to the education offices during the process of promoting the integration of reserved funds. Superintendent Kang said, "We are considering the form of grants, but it is difficult without legislating the transfer," and explained, "There is a need for an organization that can rationally adjust the standards for educational budget support."

He also emphasized the International Baccalaureate (IB) system, which the Daegu Office of Education is focusing on promoting. Superintendent Kang said, "I believe the IB-style grading method is reasonable," and added, "It is a method where you can receive good scores by making rich arguments and providing good evidence." He further stated, "Ultimately, preliminary work is necessary to change the college entrance system," and revealed, "The Daegu Office of Education is also working on standardizing essay-type evaluations."