Taipei Times
Date: May 20, 2015
By: Abraham Gerber / Staff reporter
The Ministry of Education is a step below an “amoeba” for implementing plans
Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je, left, yesterday laughs during a meeting at Taipei City Hall as former mayor Huang Ta-chou, right, speaks. Photo: Chien Jung-fong, Taipei Times
for the national 12 year education plan in the face of public opposition, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) said yesterday.
“Even an amoeba will change course if it is shocked,” Ko said, adding that the ministry should not be less “evolved” than an amoeba in adapting to public opposition to its 12-year education plan, urging it to allow for legal changes.
Complicated admission formulas and a lesser role for standardized testing have made implementation of the ministry’s plans controversial, resulting in a months-long standoff last year between the city government and the ministry.
Ko on Monday called for “special admissions” to be allowed before “exam-free admissions” for the school district that encompasses Taipei, New Taipei City and Keelung, triggering renewed debate. [FULL STORY]
