[Pyeongtaek City Academic Research Service Report] A Study on the Establishment Plan for Pyeongtaek International School

Research Director

Kim Sung-ki (Professor, Hyupsung University)

Joint Research

Ha Bong-un (Professor, Kyonggi University)

Ahn Mi-ri (Professor, Hanyang University)

Lee Gon-su (Researcher, East Asia Institute)

Lee Deok-nan (Researcher, Chung-Ang University)

I. Introduction

1. Necessity and Objectives of the Study

Pyeongtaek City, with the relocation of US military bases in Korea, is rapidly transforming into a central city in the Pan-Yellow Sea region, undergoing large-scale developments such as the Pyeongtaek Port, Yellow Sea Free Economic Zone, and Godeok International New Town, and experiencing an accelerated activation of foreign investment companies, leading to a surge in foreign residents.

These conditions have created an environment for Pyeongtaek to develop into an internationalized city through differentiated policies compared to other regions, bringing about changes not only in economic and social aspects but also in education.

It is a critical time for Pyeongtaek City to proactively respond to the changing environment, provide educational diversity to its citizens, and establish eco-friendly infrastructure for foreigners.

Therefore, the establishment of an international school will enhance Pyeongtaek's image by providing high-quality educational opportunities and improve the regional economic structure.

Furthermore, the establishment of an international school will foster global talent, promote foreign investment, and lay the foundation for enhancing domestic and international competitiveness, while expanding educational choices for students and parents by offering diverse and specialized education.

Accordingly, this study aims to provide a concrete plan for establishing an international school tailored to Pyeongtaek City's characteristics by conducting investigations and identifying problems based on systematic and accurate analytical data.

2. Scope of Research

Proposing an international school establishment plan suitable for Pyeongtaek City's specific characteristics.

Investigating curricula for nurturing global talent.

Investigating curricula (accreditation system) and evaluation systems.

Surveying demand for international school admissions.

Researching student selection and financial support for schools.

Proposing measures for securing excellent faculty.

Identifying legal and institutional issues and proposing directions for improvement.

3. Research Content

a. Analysis of Pyeongtaek City's Characteristics and the Feasibility of Establishing an International School

Continuous increase in military personnel due to the relocation of US military bases.

The necessity of establishing an international school due to the rapid increase in foreigners, accompanied by foreign corporate investment in regional development such as Pyeongtaek Port and the Yellow Sea Free Economic Zone.

- Foreign schools primarily for children of US military personnel.

- International schools primarily for children from multicultural families (supported and operated by Pyeongtaek City).

- World-class international schools with global competitiveness, etc.

b. Comparative Analysis of Other Local Governments and Advanced Cases

Comparative analysis of establishment cases in other provinces and advanced international cases.

Investigation of problems and improvements in establishment and operation.

c. Survey of Demand for International School Admissions

Region: Segmented into Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, and nationwide.

Target: Survey conducted primarily on domestic individuals.

d. Student Selection Plan

Admission rate for children from low-income families.

Admission rate for students from the local area, etc.

e. Financial Support Plan

Matters that local governments can support.

Solutions for the problem of high tuition fees.

f. Investigation of Curricula for Nurturing Global Talent at International Schools

Introduction of the IB program and operation of Korean language and Korean history curricula.

g. Review of Accreditation System and Evaluation System (Operation)

Investigation of accreditation systems suitable for various demand groups.

Methods for securing excellent faculty (incentives, overseas school training, etc.).

Ensuring diversity in educational programs.

h. Institutional Problems and Improvements

4. Research Methods

a. Survey

Conducting a survey on the feasibility and demand for establishing Pyeongtaek International School.

Survey of a total of 620 parents in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, including Pyeongtaek.

- 200 individuals from 5 elementary and 5 middle schools located in Pyeongtaek.

- 240 individuals from 7 elementary and 5 middle schools located in Gyeonggi Province, outside of Pyeongtaek.

- 180 parents from Seoul and Gyeonggi regions.

Period: December 10-24, 2009 (15 days).

b. Consultation with Stakeholders and Experts

Discussion on survey results and school establishment plans through consultations with school faculty and other stakeholders.

Discuss school establishment-related matters through consultation with public officials involved in school establishment.

D. Case Study

Analyze cases of foreign school establishment in Gyeonggi Province.

Present implications by investigating similar cases, such as countries that have introduced the IB program... (Continued)