Jeonnam-Gwangju Education Office to implement essay-type assessments

The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education has launched a dedicated task force to prepare for the implementation of descriptive and essay-type assessments starting in the 2027 academic year. To minimize confusion in schools, the office has established the ‘K-Education Integration Promotion Team Curriculum Development and Evaluation Team’ and is conducting public hearings with teachers, parents, and civic groups to gather diverse opinions.

During a recent policy meeting held in Suncheon, officials and educators discussed the necessity of shifting from rote memorization and multiple-choice testing to evaluation systems that encourage critical thinking and logical expression, especially in the age of artificial intelligence. Key challenges identified include ensuring fairness and objectivity, enhancing teacher expertise, and reducing the administrative burden on educators.

To support this transition, the education office plans to provide specialized training, develop evaluation manuals, and refine legal guidelines to protect teachers' professional evaluation rights. Superintendent Kim Dae-jung emphasized that this reform is essential for helping students develop the critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills required for the future.