'Revamp the educational system'

The ruling and opposition party agreed to revise the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in a subcommittee meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

The revision stipulates teachers’ rights to school guidance. The previous version limited rights to school guidance or disciplinary action against students to only principals. The revised version specifies that students shall not do something that violates school staff or other students’ human rights.

A series of cases of students crossing the line have been happening one after another. A middle school student took a picture of his teacher lying down. Another middle school student kicked her teacher. A sixth grader in elementary school grabbed and dragged his teacher's hair.

Meanwhile, on Nov. 7, a controversial picture of 30 students being punished was uploaded on an internet community and posted on the website of e-People. The students were given the punishment by a teacher, as they often skipped their helping activity at the school cafeteria. The high school accused the teacher of child abuse.

A number of groups for teachers welcomed the revised bill as it would allow teachers to protect themselves by law. According to the National Assembly, the revised bill was passed in a subcommittee meeting of the Education Committee on Wednesday and will be reviewed in the general meeting on Nov. 28.

#protecting_teachers’_rights_will_improve_education_environment
“Is it legal to conduct school guidance or disciplinary action now? When I made a disruptive student stand at the back of the classroom or had them take tests, it was considered child abuse. How can we teach students under this situation?”
“Students’ rights to be educated without any interruption is as important as individual human rights.”

#problematic_students_and_teachers_are_everywhere
“I’m still against the reintroduction of punishment. We need to revamp the educational system itself.”
“High school students hardly commit wrongdoings because of their school records on grades and conduct. Countermeasures for problematic teachers are necessary as well.”

#lack_of_detailed_countermeasures
“The Special Act On The Improvement Of Teachers’ Status And The Protection Of Their Educational Activities needs to be revised. Or else, teachers are not able to take any action.”
“A demerit means nothing in the end. The maximum penalty level needs to be discussed as well.”

BY KIM AH-YOUNG, HAN HYE-RIM [han.hyerim1@joongang.co.kr]