Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education Promotes Expansion of Special Schools and Classes

As population inflow into the Gyeonggi region continues to steadily increase, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education announced on the 23rd that it is promoting the establishment and expansion of special schools and special classes in regular schools.

According to the provincial Office of Education, by 2010, three new special schools for students with disabilities will be established in Gyeonggi Province: Gyeonggeun Special School in Namyangju City, Yongin Simjeon School in Yongin City, and Paju Special School in the Paju Unjeong new town district.

Additionally, special classes in regular elementary, middle, and high schools, which numbered 1,021 last year, increased by 17% to 1,197 as of March this year.

An official from the provincial Office of Education stated, "We are increasing the number of special schools and classes not only in areas experiencing large-scale population inflow due to new housing development projects, but also according to regional demands and the circumstances of students with disabilities, to ensure the right to education for students with disabilities."

As of March 2007, there are 23 special schools in Gyeonggi Province with approximately 3,200 students with disabilities enrolled, and 842 regular schools with 1,197 special classes providing special education to approximately 7,800 students.