The Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education started a Multi-channel Evaluation Team to issue penalties and incentives to principals and vice-principals from elementary, middle, and high schools this year. The evaluation team consists of teachers, school commissioners and the parents of students. They evaluate principals and vice-principals based on the academic achievement of students, management skills and integrity.
The Multi-channel Evaluation Team is a kind of educational revolution initiated by the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education. Busan has a serious educational environment gap between the east and west side of the city. The goal of this program is to close the gap between the two sides.
The final announcement by the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education reported the 20 highest rated principals and vice-principals and the 20 lowest rated principals and vice-principals on January 19th. The individuals who received top scores are eligible to receive special research expenses from the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education when they apply to move to run down areas. However, the lowest rated individuals receive reduced incentives as well as disadvantages when they move. In addition vice-principals who receive low scores are not able to be promoted to principals.
Public education is in serious danger in Korea. That is the very reason why the new policy of the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education is so inspiring. The ability to evaluate the head of a school can make it possible for communication with teachers, school commissioners, and the parents of students. The intention is to improve the performance of the principals and vice-principals. However, the Congress is still unable to pass a national Teacher Evaluation bill. In order to make a better educational environment, a Teacher Evaluation system bill should be passed by the Congress so we can improve public education nationally.