ABSTRACT
Separating middle and high schools, this single-track, ladder-type schooling is the school system. The basic ladder structure looks much like that found in many westernized educational systems, adding up to 16 years of schooling. The main objective of elementary education is to provide basic skills and general education in support of Korean culture and national integration. The Ministry of Education provides general standards for the curriculum, and has established definite educational objectives, specifying subjects, time allocation, teaching materials and all textbooks. Middle school education for students 12 to 15 years of age comprises the first tier of secondary education. Until 1985 middle school education was noncompulsory and tuition costs were borne by the students. The organization of educational administration consists of three layers of administrative authorities, namely the Ministry of Education (MOE), the provincial or municipal "Board of Education", and the District Office of Education. The MOE is the central authority responsible for discharging the constitutional mandates for education.
