Chungnam Provincial Council Stresses Urgent Need to Address Educational Gaps and Expand Teacher Workforce Ahead of Full Implementation of High School Credit System

Legislative Forum Proposes Solutions Such as "Joint Learning Centers, Online Schools, and College Admissions Reform"
Emphasizes Need to Address On-site Concerns and Ensure Stability

A scene from the legislative forum hosted by the Chungnam Provincial Council to explore development plans for the full introduction and implementation of the high school credit system. / Provided by Chungnam Provincial Council

The Chungnam Provincial Council has begun seeking solutions for the successful establishment of the high school credit system.

The council announced on July 4 that it had held a legislative forum on July 3 at the main auditorium of the Dangjin Office of Education, under the theme of "Exploring Development Plans for the Full Introduction and Implementation of the High School Credit System."

This forum was chaired by council member Hong Gihu (Democratic Party of Korea, Dangjin 3), and Kim Jua, Senior Research Fellow at the High School Credit System Research Center of the Korea Educational Development Institute, gave a keynote presentation on the conditions for the successful implementation of the high school credit system and offered policy recommendations.

Kim emphasized that for the high school credit system to be successfully established, it is essential not only to build a regional learning network and strengthen the functions of support centers, but also to reform student assessment methods and change college admissions policies.

The discussion addressed several proposals, including: the establishment of dedicated joint learning centers for the high school credit system; the introduction of an online school system to expand the diversity of subject choices; measures to address teacher shortages; and solutions to bridge regional educational gaps.

The forum featured panelists such as Choi Yeonsuk, Vice Chairperson of the Dangjin City Council; Park Sungjun, Supervisor at the Secondary Education Division of the Chungnam Provincial Office of Education; Myung Eunju, Education Researcher at the Regional Community Culture Research Institute; Lee Hyunjung, Director of Education at the Dangjin Branch of the National Parents for True Education Association; and Lee Gwangho, Planning Team Leader at Dangjin City Hall.

Hong Gihu stated, "While the high school credit system is positive in terms of educational autonomy and diversity, serious obstacles remain due to a lack of funding and personnel. The Chungnam Provincial Government and educational authorities must promptly prepare effective measures to ensure the stable establishment of the system."