It has been found that 23 of the nationwide English language institutes operating for young children are conducting preliminary proficiency tests. Additionally, 15 English language institutes for young children were found to be operating under the sign of English kindergarten, even though they should not use the term 'kindergarten.'
The Ministry of Education announced on 4th the results of a comprehensive survey of 728 English language institutes nationwide for young children. This is the first time a comprehensive survey has been conducted on these institutes.
According to the survey results that day, a total of 384 violations of laws were identified in 260 institutes. These institutes received a total of 433 penalties, including ▲suspension of classes (14 cases) ▲imposition of fines (70 cases) ▲points deduction and corrective orders (248 cases) ▲administrative guidance (101 cases).
Among the institutes that received administrative guidance penalties, 23 institutes were included that conducted preliminary proficiency tests before and after registration. Three institutes conducted tests for selection purposes, and 20 institutes conducted tests for class division based on proficiency levels. Regionally, there were 11 in Seoul, 9 in Gyeonggi, and 3 in Gangwon. Administrative guidance has been issued to these institutes to change their selection method to counseling or lottery.
The 15 English language institutes that operated under the sign of English kindergarten were fined. According to the Early Childhood Education Act, English language institutes cannot use the title of English kindergarten.
The Ministry of Education stated that the comprehensive survey was based on field inspections, thus its reliability is high. However, it did not include proficiency tests conducted after the registration of English institutes.
The Ministry of Education plans to continue joint inspections in cooperation with the local education offices for institutes that maintain proficiency tests. It plans to pursue additional inspections in collaboration with relevant agencies such as the Fair Trade Commission and the National Tax Service if they do not comply with administrative guidance.