National Education Commission Chairperson Cha Jeong-in, who faced criticism after previously remarking that preparing for the essay-type evaluation on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) would be possible through extensive reading alone, clarified today (August 13) that his comments meant "public education will adequately prepare students for the technical aspects of the exam in the future."

During his opening remarks at the 8th meeting of the National Education Commission held at the Government Complex Seoul this afternoon (August 13), Chairperson Cha stated, "Criticism has emerged that I might be taking parents' anxiety and private education phenomena lightly, but I said at the National Assembly yesterday that I am by no means taking it lightly," adding, "I also noted during the presidential briefing that private education is our primary concern."

He further explained that to lower reliance on private education after introducing essay-type evaluations, "it is necessary to enhance teachers' expertise, accumulate vast data through artificial intelligence (AI) scoring systems, and support teachers' instruction and students' learning." He added, "Fully establishing this system is a crucial task that must be prepared steadily and at a high level over several years."

During the National Assembly Education Committee's work report yesterday, when Reform Party Representative Lee Joo-young pointed out that essay-type evaluations could foster a new form of private education, Chairperson Cha had answered, "Students can fully master the technical aspects of the exam within public education. It will be enough for students to engage in extensive reading."

This sparked consecutive criticisms, particularly centered among parents, questioning whether he lacked sufficient vigilance regarding private education.

In response, Chairperson Cha re-emphasized during the commission meeting, "To foster students' growth and learning, helping them engage in extensive reading is more important than anything else. I believe it enhances critical thinking skills and helps with future admissions."

He also pointed out, "Can the current testing system foster creativity and critical thinking? We must find better methods and do our best for a successful improvement. If we decide against it simply because something new is unfamiliar and system success is difficult, the five-choice multiple-choice exam will continue."

Previously, Chairperson Cha warned of major surgery for the university admissions system reform, stating that current testing systems including the CSAT have hit a limit alongside the AI era.

Key issues include introducing essay-type evaluations for the CSAT, implementing absolute grading across all subjects, expanding essay-type evaluations for school transcripts, and adjusting university admission schedules.

Having entered full-scale public deliberation, the National Education Commission held a regional debate in Incheon on the 11th to listen to opinions from students, parents, and educators, and will hold further debates in South Jeolla-Gwangju and Daegu on the 20th and 26th, respectively.

The National Education Commission's Public Participation Committee is scheduled to discuss university admissions system reform over a two-day, one-night schedule from August 29 to 30.

Composed of 500 members including students, parents, educational figures, and the general public, the Public Participation Committee serves as a public communication channel to draw social consensus during the education policy-making process.

Only 200 members of the Public Participation Committee who applied to participate will attend this discussion, and National Education Commission Chairperson Cha Jeong-in is also scheduled to attend.

(Photo: Yonhap News)