At a Cabinet Council meeting held today, Premier Jiang Yi-huah affirmed the Ministry of Education's (MOE) adjustments to the nation's high school language and social studies curriculums, saying the minor modifications are in accordance with the ROC Constitution, and are intended to bring the history of Taiwan's colonization by Japan closer to the truth while highlighting a Taiwan-centered view.
After hearing a report on the MOE's changes to the curriculum—a move that has generated much debate nationwide—the premier said the adjustments were made from existing materials and are designed to meet the needs of students and teachers as well as public expectations of the 12-year national fundamental education system.
"Aside from rectifying errors, the modifications will bring the curriculums in closer alignment with international trends, historical fact as well as the ideas enshrined in the Additional Articles of the ROC Constitution."
The changes were also made in full compliance with administrative procedures, indicated the premier. During the course of amendment, the MOE solicited opinions from senior high teachers and students, former and current members of the curricular guidelines review committee, and members of the public. After that, the majority of committee members at the curricular guidelines review meeting on January 27, 2014 voted in favor of the modifications.
With all procedures completed, Jiang requested that the MOE step up publicity to gain wider understanding and support for the modified guidelines. The MOE should also handle any follow-up matters with added care and ensure that students' rights are protected.
As for the teachers' groups who still harbor misunderstanding about the modifications or who simply disagree, Jiang instructed the MOE to explain the issues to them using teacher networks that have worked well in the past.
"Teachers have direct contact with students, therefore it is extremely important to help them understand the content and meaning of the guidelines as quickly as possible so that they can educate students in accordance with the current education policy," he said.