Chungnam Provincial Council Discusses Introduction of Korean-Style Correspondence High Schools

Research Group on Multicultural Student School Dropout Issues

The Chungnam Provincial Council's research group on multicultural student education and the issue of academic dropout concluded its activities with the third and final meeting. Photo by Chungnam Provincial Council

The Chungnam Provincial Council's research group on multicultural student education and school dropout issues (led by Councilor Yoo Sungjae) concluded its activities with the third meeting held on July 23. Participants included Professor Choi Chuntaek of Soonchunhyang University, Chungnam Provincial Councilor Bang Hanil (Yesan 1, People Power Party), Chiba Institute of Science Korea representative Koto Yoshiko, Cheonan Multicultural Family Support Center Director Yoon Yeonhan, Jongro Academy CEO Choi Jinyoung, Eduwill CEO Yang Hyungnam, Chungnam Provincial Government Foreign Policy Division Director Chu Youngsik, and Chungnam Provincial Office of Education International Education Team Supervisor Kang Sungwon.

During the meeting, Eduwill CEO Yang Hyungnam gave a keynote presentation on the introduction of a Korean-style ICT-integrated correspondence high school. He pointed out that the number of students dropping out is increasing due to language barriers faced by multicultural students and educational limitations in rural areas. As an alternative, he proposed the Japanese correspondence high school model.

Yang emphasized several expected effects of introducing correspondence high schools: ▲ Support for multicultural and vulnerable groups through AI- and mentoring-based self-directed learning ▲ Maintenance of learning motivation and sense of achievement through real-time management and customized content ▲ Provision of diverse career pathways such as university admission, certification, language, ICT, and entrepreneurship ▲ Improved educational accessibility in low-density areas by establishing learning centers through the remodeling of closed schools.

Councilor Bang Hanil stated, "It is remarkable that students at Japanese correspondence high schools can choose from 300 elective subjects. If introduced, it would be desirable to implement this in parallel with the high school credit system." He further argued, "Innovation in public education for future generations is necessary to keep pace with a rapidly changing society."

Lead Councilor Yoo Sungjae (Cheonan 5, People Power Party) said, "It is urgent to prepare countermeasures for students who drop out, including multicultural students." He explained, "To introduce a Korean-style ICT-integrated correspondence high school, there are challenges such as establishing legal grounds for founding and accreditation, learning time and attendance recognition standards, graduation qualification and academic recognition, teacher and facility standards, and most importantly, securing budget and financial support."