Incheon Office of Education and Special Education Sector Reach Tentative Agreement on Four Measures
The Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education has devised measures to alleviate overcrowding in special education classes through discussions with the special education sector.
Following the death of a special education teacher in Incheon, the Office of Education, which launched a dedicated task force to improve overcrowded classes, recently held the first meeting of the task force with teachers and disability organizations, and announced on the 3rd that they have tentatively agreed on four measures to resolve overcrowding in special education classes.
The Office of Education will adhere to the installation standards for special education classes by school (4 students for kindergarten, 6 for elementary and middle schools, and 7 for high schools) and will increase the number of classes if the number of students exceeds these limits.
Schools targeted for new or additional special education classes will be informed of the relevant matters, and if the school submits reasons for not installing such classes, the Office of Education plans to conduct on-site visits and consultations to decide whether to expand the classes.
Additionally, the Office will open opportunities twice a year, once each semester, to increase the number of classes and will promote immediate expansion as needed. For schools where expansion is difficult, they plan to assign assistant teachers or part-time instructors to overcrowded classes.
An official from the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education stated, "In the next meeting, we will discuss detailed plans for alleviating overcrowded classes, criteria for reducing special education classes, and ways to strengthen the functions of the Special Education Operation Committee," adding, "We will work together with the special education sector to pool wisdom and create a better educational environment."
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