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Education ministry fails to pass minimum school age

Despite a day-long, closed-door meeting, the Ministry of Education failed to reach a conclusion yesterday on a final revised draft of the Supplementary Continuing Education Law (補習及進修教育法), which would prohibit schools from enrolling students under the age of six, unless they are dance or music schools.

The draft states that cram schools with English, math, speed reading and abacus classes are not allowed to enroll children under the age of six.

Since the draft was first proposed last year, cram school owners have argued such a requirement would force at least a quarter -- or 4,000 -- of the 17,000 plus schools nationwide out of business.

"The new policy also discriminates against low-income families who cannot afford to hire a private tutor for their children. Such families will have no choice but to seek illegal cram schools," said Chang Hau-ran (張浩然), an officer of the Supplementary Education Association.

The ministry said setting the minimum age at six was aimed at protecting the psychological and emotional development of young children.

It is uncertain whether or not the draft will be ratified before the new president is sworn in on May 20 because it still has to be passed by both the Executive Yuan and the Legislative Yuan.

The draft passed a first reading in the legislature last year, but the bill was sent back to the ministry for revisions after the Jan. 12 legislative elections.

If the proposal passes, there would be a two-year grace period for cram schools to adjust their enrollment policies.

The specific regulations would be established by the individual counties and cities, the ministry said.

The proposed bill would also change the name of the law to the Supplementary Education Law (補習教育法).
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