The Federation of Korean Teachers' Unions has urged the National Education Commission (KCED) to immediately halt what it calls a "secretive push" for a 3 PM dismissal policy for lower-grade elementary school students.

During a press conference held in front of the Seoul Government Complex today (September 10), the teachers' union stated, "It has been revealed that the National Education Commission has included a plan in the draft of its mid-to-long-term national education development plan to extend regular school hours for first and second graders and have them all leave school at 3 PM."

The union criticized the move, saying, "This plan has never even been discussed as an official agenda item in the plenary meeting of the commission," adding that "not a single current kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school teacher was among the 16 members of the closed integrated support team that drafted the plan."

The union also demanded that the commission disclose the background and discussion materials regarding how the "3 PM dismissal" was included in the draft of the national education development plan.

Kang Seok-jo, president of the Elementary School Teachers' Union, pointed out, "The policy to expand educational hours for lower-grade elementary students hides behind the fine-sounding pretext of resolving childcare gaps and reducing private education costs, but it is an irresponsible idea that forgets the true essence of schools and shifts all responsibility onto public education."

Previously, the National Education Commission held a policy forum on September 3 titled "Policy Forum for Expanding Educational Hours and Enhancing Educational Substance for Lower-Grade Elementary Students."

(Photo provided by the Federation of Korean Teachers' Unions, Yonhap News)