National Education Commission Chair proposes CSAT essay-type reforms

Cha Jung-in, Chairperson of the National Education Commission, stated during a National Assembly Education Committee meeting that the introduction of descriptive and essay-type questions to the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) would not necessitate additional private education. Cha argued that students could prepare sufficiently through broad reading and that technical exam skills could be mastered within the public education system.

Addressing concerns regarding grading fairness and the potential for increased private tutoring, Cha emphasized that advanced AI technology could provide a stable and reliable grading system for nationwide exams. He noted that current pilot programs using AI evaluation systems in various provincial offices of education have shown successful results, distinguishing the current technological landscape from previous failed attempts in other countries.

The National Education Commission is currently reviewing a reform plan that includes the introduction of descriptive evaluations, a transition to absolute grading for all subjects, and the expansion of essay-type assessments in school records. A draft is expected by October, with a final plan aimed for announcement in March next year.