Investigation of Violations of the Private Institute Act
at 25 Local Institutes by June
The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Cheon Changsu) will conduct a special inspection of English language institutes for young children to investigate the actual situation regarding the inducement of pre-learning.
Recently, the so-called "level tests" (referred to as "4-year-old exams" and "7-year-old exams") in the private education market for young children have sparked controversy, prompting the education authorities to begin a full-scale investigation.
By June, the Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education will thoroughly inspect all 25 English language institutes for young children that operate half-day or longer classes. The inspection will cover whether institutes operate unregistered courses, compliance with facility standards and posting requirements, and the appropriateness of instructor hiring notifications, as well as overall violations of the Private Institute Act.
Additionally, the misuse of names such as "kindergarten," the operation of shuttle buses, and the management of facility safety will also be included in the investigation.
The core focus of this inspection is the actual situation regarding the inducement of pre-learning for young children. The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education plans to focus on cases where institutes select students through level tests, induce pre-learning through advertisements that create anxiety, and charge excessive tuition fees. In particular, inappropriate program advertisements such as "medical school preparation classes" on institute websites will also be monitored through non-face-to-face inspections.
An official from the Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education stated, "Encouraging pre-learning that is inappropriate during early childhood undermines the essence of education and leads to excessive competition," adding, "We will take the lead in creating a healthy educational environment for young children through regular inspections and follow-up administrative measures."
The Gangbuk and Gangnam Education Support Offices plan to complete on-site inspections of institutes within their respective jurisdictions by the end of June and will follow up with administrative actions and recommendations for operational improvements in cases of legal violations.
Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education
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