A "one-stop" support system for students experiencing multiple challenges at the same time, such as poor academic performance, school violence, and poverty, will take effect starting next month. Unlike the current system, in which students receive counseling and support separately by field, the new approach provides counseling and support for various difficulties all at once.
On the 12th, the Ministry of Education said it will implement the "student-tailored integrated support" system (Hagmattong) starting Mar. 1. The Ministry of Education had previously conducted a pilot program since 2023 with 436 schools and 85 education and support offices.
According to the Ministry of Education, homeroom teachers have had to convene different committees and obtain approval for support depending on the student's difficulties. There were separate committees for each support area, including basic academic skills, multicultural students, students with disabilities, emotional issues, and welfare. Going forward, however, students will be able to receive multiple forms of support at once by convening only one committee.
Not only homeroom teachers but also principals, vice principals, and education office and local government officials will step in to support students. Principals will take on overall responsibility, and vice principals will handle coordination and mediation. In cases such as child abuse or illness, schools can request an in-depth assessment from the education office and link students to welfare centers and medical institutions.
The Ministry of Education will also establish a student-tailored integrated support center this month. The center will manage various student support programs in one place and serve as a hub connecting schools and education offices. A total of 241 local public officials will be assigned there.
However, the Ministry of Education has not yet presented specific criteria for the scope of teachers' duties under the system. In the field, concerns are being raised that teachers' roles could expand into daily life and welfare areas.
Regarding this, the Ministry of Education said, "We plan to distribute a guidebook this month." It also noted, "In the first half of this year, we will focus on establishing in-school deliberation procedures and building support systems at education offices, with the goal of fully embedding the system by 2027."