December 12: Ministry of Education Reports to President Lee Jaemyung
AI Assessment Data for Essays and Written Exams to Be Developed Next Year, Completed by 2029
State Responsibility for Education and Care Strengthened, Free Education Expanded to Age Four
The Ministry of Education has announced plans to expand 'question-centered classes' and 'essay-based assessments' to foster students' critical thinking skills, which are essential in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, the government will broaden the scope of free education and childcare support from the current age of five to include children aged four and five starting next year, thereby strengthening state responsibility for education and care.
On December 12, Minister of Education Choi Kyojin stated during the ministry's presidential work report held at the Government Sejong Convention Center in Sejong City, "We will educate all students to utilize AI proactively and critically," adding, "We will cultivate multi-layered AI talent to achieve a top-three position in AI globally."
To this end, more than 200 'questioning schools' will be operated next year to help students develop the ability to ask questions and think critically, skills required in the AI era. The ministry also plans to build AI learning datasets for essay-based assessments, with completion targeted for 2029. The number of AI-focused schools, where AI education is strengthened both quantitatively and qualitatively, will be expanded from 1,000 next year to 2,000 by 2028.
A fast-track program will be introduced to cultivate PhD-level innovative talent in five and a half years, and the ministry will also nurture convergence talent by combining AI with various fields. Minister Choi stated, "Practical talent ready to work in the field will be fostered at AI digital-focused colleges and AI software meister high schools."
The ministry also announced plans to strengthen reading and humanities education necessary for the AI era. Customized reading programs tailored to students' interests and levels will be implemented, and 1,000 new 'reading schools' will be established next year.
Regarding President Lee Jaemyung's signature education pledge to "create 10 Seoul National Universities," Minister Choi said, "For balanced national development, universities and local communities must grow together," adding, "We will support flagship national universities in becoming regional industry-academia-research hubs linked to the five regional growth engines and three special zones."
On the policy of integrating early childhood education and care, Minister Choi stated, "We will improve the teacher-to-child ratio and reduce the disparity in treatment between kindergarten and daycare teachers." He added, "We will expand hub-linked care institutions and extend free education and childcare to children as young as four." Furthermore, he said, "We will provide third-grade elementary school students with an annual voucher of 500,000 won for after-school programs, thereby increasing students' choices while alleviating parents' concerns about care gaps and the burden of private education costs."
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