Sunday, March 18, 2007

1. Sunday, March 18, 2007

2. Clear-cut Information Needed By Cyndy Yu As the debate over the implementation of Premier Su Tseng-chang's (蘇貞昌) proposed 12-year compulsory education scheme continues, Minister of Education Tu Cheng-sheng (杜正勝 ) said that the program was still being developed. Su's proposed program has aroused nationwide apprehensions among those who are concerned about the future and quality of our education system. Su and Tu plan to add three more years to the current system of compulsory education and scrap the Basic Competence Test. But they have failed to provide clear-cut information about their plan or justify the need for it. What is even worse is that faced with the anger of Taiwanese, Tu changed his policies four times within one week. At its core, the 12-year compulsory education system is a good idea. It could in fact reduce the financial pressure on students and low-income families. However, there are some problems that the government should take into consideration. Among them is the standard for admissions to high-school, which should be re-examined. The ministry should provide, with the endorsement of the Executive Yuan, specific information about its long-term planning for education reform. Failing to implement policies that would ensure the success of the new program, it would be better to postpone it until the presidential election has passed, lest it be held hostage by political jousting. Cyndy YuTaipei Sunday, March 18, 2006