The government said Tuesday it has decided to allow public schools to teach English to first- and second-graders during after-school programs.
The decision runs contrary to a special law on public education, which bans English lessons for first- and second-graders in school.
The Ministry of Education said it has introduceㅇ an exception to the law, citing growing demands from parents.
The measure, slated come into effect beginning Sept. 12, is expected to generate confusion among teachers and parents.
All public elementary schools offer after-school programs and, according to the ministry’s statistics, almost 73 percent of students take part in them. The programs are divided into two sections ― one geared towards academic activities and another focusing on music or art.
Right now, first- and second-graders do not learn English as part of the official school curriculum, but they will be allowed to do so.
The Cabinet approved the ministry’s plan Tuesday.
“We decided to accept opinions from parents who said English education is so important that it needs to be taught as early as possible. Also, what we teach during the after-school programs are not really hard lessons. It’s integrated into songs and plays, so broadly speaking it can be a non-academic activity,” Geum Yong-han of the education ministry said, when asked the reason for the reversal. “Also, banning it can spur the private English education industry.”
Criticism is mounting on the education ministry for reversing the regulations.
Those who follow the issue say Tuesday’s decision might also encourage high schools to file complaints on limits imposed on them. English is taught during after-school programs at high schools, but the curriculum is strictly regulated.