[LETTERS to the editor]Delay on schools unfair to students

Regarding the Oct.17 editorial, “An irresponsible decision,” I’m angry about the Seoul education board’s indecisiveness. The deferment of the decision [to establish international middle schools] ignored not only students who have been preparing to enter such schools but all Seoul citizens who have had the information since 2006. The Seoul Education Office should immediately persuade the board and promote the plan.

It’s not easy for students who have been preparing for international middle schools to change their goal now. They have been spending lots of time studying to enter such schools.

Although some say the schools can be a big burden to students, in my opinion they can actually reduce students’ stress. In three years, students will acquire more specialized and more profound learning to help them enter the high schools or universities they are aiming for.

Students have the right to receive a specialized education responsive to their abilities and needs. Through a varied education they can build the ability to be competitive with their peers in the world. No one can give full equality to all students. The Seoul Education Office should persuade the public that the opening of international middle school must not be delayed.

Lee Hyeon-hwa, Seoul