Changes to Mock Evaluation Schedule on June 3 Unavoidable
School Principals to Adjust Academic Calendar and Vacations
High school seniors taking a mock exam. Newsis
With the early presidential election likely to be held in early June following the removal of former President Yoon Seok-youl, the date for the nationwide academic achievement assessment (mock evaluation) in June is expected to be adjusted.
In the political sphere on the 6th, June 3, which marks the two-month mark stipulated by the Constitution after the removal of former President Yoon, is being strongly considered as the date for the early election.
According to the Public Official Election Act, an election resulting from a presidential vacancy must be held within 60 days, meaning the election must occur on a day between May 24 and June 3. June 3 is considered a suitable date when avoiding weekends and considering early voting days.
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Deok-soo will determine the date for the early election as soon as the 8th.
However, June 3 is also the scheduled date for the June mock evaluation, which is organized by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, targeting high school students in grades 1 to 3.
As the only mock evaluation conducted by the evaluation institute before regular recruiting applications begin, the June mock evaluation is a critical benchmark score for deciding on early admission applications from a student’s perspective.
The education community expects that the election day and the June mock evaluation will not coincide. This is because many schools are used as polling stations during significant elections, and some examinees are eligible voters.
The Ministry of Education plans to swiftly notify any changes to the June mock evaluation date if June 3 is confirmed as election day.
Nonetheless, changing the June mock evaluation schedule can burden schools and students since the schedule is set considering academic progress and other educational plans.
Particularly if the exam is postponed, it may closely overlap with the first semester final exams, potentially disadvantaging high school seniors.
Following the removal of former President Yoon, student communities have been posting concerns about the June mock evaluation schedule.
Students expressed worries such as, “If the election is on June 3, when will the June mock evaluation be held?” and “Is it true that the June mock evaluation might become the May mock evaluation?” Another concern is, “The June mock evaluation date should not overlap with the final exams.”
It’s anticipated that the academic schedules for elementary, middle, and high schools in Seoul will also be adjusted.
Since election day is designated as a national holiday, schools will be closed, necessitating adjustments to academic schedules to ensure students meet the total required instructional hours.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, schools plan to adjust their academic schedules by modifying discretionary off days or delaying vacations by a day.