New educational revolution in Taiwan: Twelve-Year Compulsory Education

From Grade 1-9 Curriculum to Twelve-Year Compulsory Education, the latest educational policy is no doubt a bombshell that strongly overthrows the traditional route for students to enter high school, and the aftershock will undoubtedly last quite a long time.

 

“I think this policy is good…We don’t have to take the big examination to enter senior high school, and that’s the point!” The first interviewee, the twelve years old boy, Rung-Pei Liang, who is going enter junior high school, answered with a naïve smile. But when being reminded that he still has to face the College Entrance Examination, the little interviewee hesitates and shows a long face for a while, but soon makes a smile again. “We really should not worry about things which are not yet coming about.”

 

        The second interviewee, Mr. Liang, takes the positive attitude toward the policy of Twelve-Year Compulsory Education as his son does. “To those kids who are not good at studying, this policy means more chances and fairness.” Mr. Liang says carefully to measure his words. “I know there are many deficiencies in this policy and it might not be the best one, but at least it makes some changes! Students can study in a broader way. To be honest, the traditional testing form is too narrow to test students.”

 

Since opinions toward the new policy are still widely divided, the only thing for us to do is to wait and see. Is the policy of Twelve-Year Compulsory Education a turning point which benefits thousands of thousands of students? Or is it just a failed educational revolution again in Taiwan? Take it easy as our little interviewee said, “Cross the bridge when coming to it!”