An Introduction to the Ministry of Education of the R.O.C.

Every country in the world has made the cultivation of human talent a priority in the 21st century. Advanced countries have embarked upon a path of education reform, with Taiwan recognizing education as the bedrock of national development. We have implemented various education reforms such as pre-school education reform, grade 1-9 curriculum reform, the restructuring of secondary education, the enhancement of higher education and lifelong learning projects.

To enhance the quality of education, the Ministry has adopted the dual approach of introducing flexible entrance exams into high schools and higher education so as to enable students to find the most appropriate institution, meanwhile also encouraging teachers to polish their teaching techniques. We also place emphasis upon providing equal education opportunities for all children, particularly those from disadvantaged families. Furthermore, the establishment of the Digital Opportunity Centre (DOC) marks our determination to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas. All these efforts at every level not only facilitate democratic and economic development, but have also cultivated talent in many youths, who have since earned several titles in international academic competitions. To realize even greater achievements, we look forward to a deeper collaboration between local and central governments as well as efforts from both the private and public sectors.

In light of the challenges arising in this changing era, education policies must rely on the Ministry's experience in order to recognize the core values and education mission for the 21st century. Furthermore, drawing up more concrete education policies will allow Taiwan to enter into the fierce international competition benefiting other advanced countries. Based on these considerations, the Ministry has drawn up the Blueprint for Education, which incorporates advice gathered from all levels of education. The vision behind the Blueprint includes the establishment of a well-rounded environment, a happy learning atmosphere for students and the cultivation of high-quality citizens to raise the county's competitiveness and overall life quality. The five principles guiding this Blueprint include: holistic education, life education, lifelong education, mastery learning, and healthy campus.

The cultivation of human talent has been designated a high priority for all educators and scholars. However, education in Taiwan should not only focus on excellent academic achievement, but should also emphasize the importance of assistance for disadvantaged families. In response to the spreading impact of the global financial crisis, the Ministry has established various policies, such as the Plan for Human Resource Cultivation and Employment Promotion and the Education Safety Net Program to cope with the rising unemployment rate and insure students against economic disadvantages.

Education reforms such as the recognition of core values, educational restructuring and resource allocation require a long-term effort. In the upcoming year we will strive to achieve high-quality education and let our children grow up in a happy atmosphere. We will work with both government and society to create a well-rounded education environment, so that students at all levels can learn and develop in every aspect and become competitive citizens in the global village.

January 13, 2010

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