Kwon Hyeok-seon (President of the Korean Association of Secondary School Teachers)

Recently, I went on a training trip to Daegu with secondary school teachers from Jeonbuk province. Daegu has a strong conservative image politically, but when it comes to education, it is not conservative at all. In fact, I felt that Jeonbuk shows more conservative educational practices.

The most highlighted keyword in Daegu education is undoubtedly 'IB.' IB (International Baccalaureate) education is complementary to the revised 2022 curriculum. Through this training, we deeply understood the concept-based inquiry learning of IB and also examined the case of Daegu Future School's essay-type assessment to bridge the gap between IB schools and regular schools. Such efforts align well with the achievement standards of the 2022 curriculum. I can't help but feel regret that Jeonbuk has not put more concrete efforts into introducing IB on the basis of public education.

However, education in Daegu is not just about IB or essay-type assessments. There are still places like Suseong-gu where education centered around the college entrance exam (Suneung) is conducted. This is why many top students come from Daegu every year. But what stands out in Daegu education is the 'diversity.' Diversity in education is the core of progressiveness.

The most regrettable part is that we couldn't visit 'Yedam School,' which symbolizes the diversity of education in Daegu, during this training. Yedam School is the first public arts entrusted education school in the country, providing tailored education for students in the 2nd and 3rd grade of high school who aspire to enter the arts field. Various majors such as classical music, musicals, practical music, design, painting, animation are available, and practical lesson classes are provided free of charge. The school has excellent results, with over 80% of students entering arts universities every year.

Of particular note is that students who entered regular high schools in the 1st grade but were struggling with their career choices and aptitudes can be entrusted to Yedam School from the 2nd grade to receive arts education again. In the era of high school credit system where it is difficult for students struggling in basic subjects like math among arts and physical education students, Yedam School provides another opportunity, making it a very meaningful school.

Especially among arts and physical education students, many face difficulties in basic subjects like math. For these students, the 'minimum achievement guarantee system' can be burdensome. Even if they barely pass in the 1st grade, they face greater difficulties learning English and math in the same way as regular students in the 2nd and 3rd grades. Ultimately, these students need a special education program centered around the arts. This is the path that public education should take, providing tailored educational opportunities for all students.

It is truly regrettable that we could not visit Yedam School during this training. However, I sincerely hope that a 'Jeonbuk-style Yedam School' will be established as soon as possible in Jeonbuk. When we embrace the diversity of education, both students and teachers can achieve happiness in Jeonbuk education.