제 3주기 유치원평가 개선 방안 연구

Abstract

□ Purpose

l In order to provide quality early education to all children in Korea, the government has periodically conducted a national kindergarten assessment since 2008. While the national assessment has contributed to improving the quality and operational efficiency of kindergartens, it has also raised concerns among practitioners in the field such as the workload of teachers and administrators (e.g., preparing for required data, documents, and site visits) and regulatory imbalance among local governments (e.g., site visits not conducted in some regions).

l This study aimed to improve the national kindergarten assessment system by developing a ‘Kindergarten Assessment Index’ for the third round of kindergarten assessment (’14~’16) and proposing a more appropriate kindergarten assessment measures.

□ Methods

l In developing the common index for national kindergarten assessment, the research team took the following process: literature review, data collection and analysis, advisory meetings with government officials (i.e., Ministry of Education), meetings with assessment staff and evaluation faculty, operation of kindergarten assessment task force, and identification of common indexes and sub-elements.

□ Results

Assessment Index for the third National Kindergarten Assessment (A proposal)

l The third kindergarten assessment evaluates kindergartens on the basis of 100 points in four areas (i.e., curriculum, environment, health and safety, and administration) and 11 items.

l Common assessment indexes account for 90 points and 10 points are allotted to region-specific indexes in order to reflect regional characteristics.

- Curriculum (30 points): goals and plans of education (10), daily operation and teaching method (10), learning evaluation method and utilization (10)

- Learning Environment (15 points): indoor and outdoor environment (10), provision and management of teaching materials and instruments (5)

- Health and safety (15 points): health care and guidance (10), safety management and guidance (5)

- Administration (30 points): working conditions and professionalism of staff (10), budget planning and its operations (5), family and community relations (5), afterschool program (10)

Strategies for Improving Kindergarten Assessment

l Reduce the number of items (i.e., 15 to 11) in the Kindergarten Assessment and standardize the evaluation process

l Use a five-point rating scale, with weighted scoring for key indicators

l For selected indicators, apply differentiated rating criteria depending on the type and size of kindergartens

l Present an evidence for accurate and objective appraisal of quality for each index; provide a detailed and specific manual for users

l Simplify, objectify, and professionalize the process/content of self evaluation, written assessment, and site assessment

l Utilize the findings of the assessment to improve the quality of kindergartens

□ Implications

l Organize and operate city-province councils for kindergarten assessment

l Organize and manage a pool of external evaluators for kindergarten assessment

l Submit self-evaluation reports for the 2 years that the assessment is not carried out (of the three-year period of kindergarten assessment)

l Establish a portal site for kindergarten assessment, disseminating and sharing comprehensive information and best practices

l Conduct more research on kindergarten assessment and monitor its progress and use