Ministry of Education (MOE) announced the '17 Support Plan for Multicultural Education. It aims to support students with multicultural background in becoming a talented person in the society, and improve the multicultural understanding of all students.

※ Budget for 2017 : about 19 billion KRW

In 2016, the number of students with multicultural background enrolled in elementary, and middle, and high schools in Korea reached close to about a hundred thousand students (it accounts for 1.68% of all students in Korea), and it is expected to grow.

The '17 Support Plan for Multicultural Education is as follows:

1. Promoting Support for Tailored Instructions

Kindergarten centers that has a majority number of children with multicultural background is expected to be expanded across the nation (i.e., 60 Kintergarten centers in 12 provinces in '16 to 90 Kindergarten centers in 17 provinces in '17) to develop a framework for language and basic academic learning.

In addition, university student mentors along with support services for basic skills are expected to provide assistance for students with academic difficulties.

MOE hopes that the quality of educational support is improved for immigrated and/or foreign students.

Educational programs such as class for Korean language curriculum for Korean language and Korean culture are extended to assist immigrated and/or foreign students' admission to public education.

Furthermore, university students who can communicate with students with multicultural background in mother tongue are selected to become mentors for immigrated and/or foreign students, assisting them to adjust in schools.

Schools in regions where the majority are from multicultural background may operate a research school in accordance with the school conditions and develop a curriculum (e.g., foreign language, global citizenship education, multicultural education, etc.).

Support for career education and counseling is strengthened to support the increasing number of students with multicultural background entering middle and/or high schools.

Global Bridge Program that nurtures talented learners through developing the latent ability of students is extended (i.e., 17 programs in '16 to 20 programs in '17).

Wee Centers are designated in '17 that specifically provide personalized counseling services to students with multicultural background.

2. Improving the understanding of multicultural education among teachers

Opportunities for professional development and training are increased to improve the multicultural understanding among teachers. Pre-service teachers are given opportunities to learn about multicultural education in the university program(s).

In order to enhance all students' understanding about multiculturalism, the number of multicultural education-core schools are extended (180 schools in '16 to 200 schools in '17).

3. Establishing a solid foundation for multicultural education

Multicultural education is promoted through an active collaboration among affiliated government organizations, raising students with multicultural background as talented persons in the society.

Accountability measures for offices of education is increased to facilitate the active management and implmentation of multicultural education in accordance with conditions of the region.

Support for Local Centers for Multicultural Education (LCME) is extended, and these centers are expected to link diverse organizations in the local community (e.g., universities, support centers, immigration office, etc.) and support multicultural education.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, LEE Joonsik, expressed that the "Support Plan for Multicultural Education would foster guidance for students with multicultural background in unfolding their talents and aptitudes, supporting all students to understand the difference among diverse cultures, and encourageing them to value and respect one another."

* unofficial translation