As the new school year approaches, students, parents and teachers wait for the government’s decision on the reopening of schools.

Education authorities are reviewing the possibility of reopening schools in March.

A decision is expected to be announced soon in Jeju, even though there is still a great deal of uncertainty on how the pandemic will turn.

Todd Thacker reports.


Report

Last year’s spring semester began on April 9th. Compared to previous school years, that’s a delay of about 40 days.


The spread of COVID-19 didn’t allow schools to physically open last year.
Schools switched to online classes whenever the pandemic turned serious.


Seoul is considering extending physical classes at schools.
Extended online classes could widen the learning gap between students. Families unable to look after their kids during the day have had to deal with a lack of after-school programs.


Researchers have published studies showing that the possibility of infection at schools is low if quarantine protocols are followed.

The Provincial Office of Education is therefore weighing the possibility of reopening schools for the coming spring semester.


The number of confirmed cases in Jeju has dropped recently, raising expectations for in-school classes.
Physical classes for grades one and two of elementary schools will be priorities.
During a recent interview with KCTV, PoE Superintendent (이석문) Lee Seok-mun said he expects that physical classes could go ahead in the spring.

Recording
Lee Seok-moon / PoE Superintendent (Jan.19)
I think local schools can reopen if we follow the quarantine guidelines, especially between the Lunar New Year’s holiday and March.
[녹취 이석문 / 제주도교육감 (지난 19일) ]
"음력 설부터 3월까지는 조금 힘들더라도 자제하면서 사회적 거리를 지켜주신다면 우리 아이들이 개학도 하고 3월 정상적인 학교생활을..."



Even with the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, a decision on whether to reopen local schools in March is expected soon, after the PoE consults with the Ministry of Education and quarantine authorities.

Todd Thacker, KCTV