[LETTERS to the editor]Move quickly on middle school plans

Regarding the Oct. 17 editorial, “School office seeks decision reversal”, I think the Seoul Board of Education should reconsider deferment of plans about opening international middle schools.

For about a decade, our government has kept confusing us with its educational policy and has insisted on equalization in education. As a result, the scholastic abilities of Korean students have declined significantly compared with those in other countries. It is what mainly caused the education policy to fail.

In a global age, it is necessary to educate competitive students. A uniform and equal educational system can’t satisfy the diverse educational needs of students any more. [The special schools] will help improve the competitiveness of students. In addition, they will be an alternative for students who would otherwise go abroad to study at great cost. Also, they can help students who fail to adapt to domestic educational circumstances after coming back to Korea.

In order to not fail with this special plan, it is important to prepare the curriculum and budget thoroughly. I think the Seoul Board of Education should think it over [and move on it] as soon as possible. Chung Hee-jung, Seoul