코로나19 대응을 위한 등교 확대 정책의 쟁점 및 개선 과제 연구

Abstract

This study reviews the planning and implementation of the gradual reopening of schools in July–August 2021, a year after the outbreak of COVID-19, and analyzes the gradual school-reopening measures and related regulations at that time in South Korea. Based on the analysis, legislative and policy measures for improvement are suggested. Even though a year has now passed, the situation facing our schools has not significantly changed. Thus, this study is meaningful even now because policies to resolve the existing problems have not yet been clearly presented. The background to the gradual school-reopening measures is as follows. First, it is perceived that schools are relatively safe from the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Second, achievement gaps have deepened due to the increase in online learning. Third, disadvantaged students, such as students with disabilities, have even more difficulties than other students because of online learning. Finally, the proportion of students who do not have basic academic skills has increased greatly. The issues raised include insufficient measures and standards for overcrowded classes and a lack of policies to support the learning of students with disabilities in general schools. Therefore, this study suggests the following legislative and policy measures: establishment of feasible measures to increase the number of classrooms and teachers to resolve overcrowded classes, implementation of a legal basis for overcrowded classes standards and resolution, and promotion of special learning support policies and legislation for students with disabilities in general schools.