ID :
37078
Tue, 12/23/2008 - 12:53
Auther :

Middle schools hold controversial exam amid opposition

SEOUL, Dec. 23 (Yonhap) -- Middle schools across the nation conducted a standardized exam for seventh and eight grade students Tuesday amid controversy over its intent and effectiveness.

Some 1.35 million students in 374 middle schools began taking the test at 9 a.m.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) developed the multiple-choice
test, which covers Korean language, English, math, science and civics.
Previously, only 3 to 5 percent of students were tested as a representative
sample to help officials in policymaking. The exam, third of its kind since
October when it was revived after 10 years, is aimed at providing an objective
assessment of scholastic ability, according to the government.
Many teachers' unions and some parent groups, however, oppose the standardized
testing, arguing that the results could be used to rank schools, lead to fiercer
competition and further burden students already struggling to balance an
overwhelming academic load.
Education remains an issue of fiery debate in South Korea, where many believe
that one's schooling largely dictates his or her success and where discrimination
based on academic background is seen as commonplace.
Test results will be kept and managed independently at the discretion of
education authorities in respective regions, according to SMOE.
"Questions were drawn fairly easy for students who have diligently followed along
in their classes," the SMOE said, adding that the results would be used for
schools to prepare for specialized classes next year.
A petition submitted to the National Human Rights Commission by parents and
teacher unions in October said the exam could deprive students of basic human
rights and strip them of happiness and a chance for better quality of life.
odissy@yna.co.kr

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