By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak said Tuesday the administration will ``normalize'' college education before taking any action to solve problems in elementary, middle and high schools, indicating an overhaul of the state-run college entrance exam.
Lee, however, made it clear that the government will refrain from intervening in the way universities choose new students, saying, ``Universities should decide on their own paths for themselves, not by the government.''
Lee made the remarks in a meeting with presidents of 14 major private and state universities at the Sangchunjae guest house inside Cheong Wa Dae, which is mainly used for receptions for foreign VIPs.
``The reason I invited you here is to show my respect for you and your authority,'' Lee said. ``You lead the way (in forming school policies). The government will fully cooperate.''
Lee said the government will focus on upgrading college education because doing so will also affect lower education institutions. Educational reform will emerge as the top of national agenda after the country gets out of the current economic trouble, he said.
The message indicates the government will ensure independence of universities in forming policies on student recruitment and school tuition and, at the same time, push for reform in public education and the state-run admission test, a presidential spokesman said.
It is also a major departure from educational policies under former President Roh Moo-hyun, who sought a stronger grip on private universities through state subsidies and disciplinary measures.
Lee and the university presidents discussed a wide range of educational issues, such as rising household burden on private tutoring and the recent protests by students over the fast growth of school expenses, the spokesman said on condition of anonymity.
Ewha Womans University President Lee Bae-yong told Lee that universities will adopt a joint statement next month ``to show our resolution to people and society to make a fundamental change in the right direction in the college entrance system for students.''
In a rally in Seoul, progressive civic groups called for universities to address the issues of soaring private education costs and school tuition and increase transparency in the use of school funds, saying it is immoral to demand autonomy while turning a blind eye to such issues.