Delay in Supplying English Textbooks to Elementary Students Raises Concerns

Despite the school semester having started two months ago, news reports have pointed out that there has been a delay in supplying English textbooks to lower-grade elementary-school students, which concerned many parents.

Even worse, the Hsinchu City Education Department has confirmed that first and second-grade English textbooks have indeed not yet been distributed, but that it has urged the publisher to print the books as soon as possible, with the materials scheduled to be distributed on Wednesday.

It is unbelievable that such an important tool for students’ education has been neglected in this manner. What was even more ridiculous was the Hsinchu City Government’s proffering of different excuses, from a switch in printing companies to a change of edition to cancelation of hardcover and conversion to softcover, among others. It is apparent that the delay had everything to do with the government’s strategy-making.

Although the city’s education director suddenly resigned at the end of July, the new director was already in place by mid-August. Before assuming office, the new director was invited to the Hsinchu City elementary and junior-high school principals’ meeting as an adviser. As a result, the government cannot attribute the delay to a change of director. Instead, Hsinchu should get to the bottom of the issue and offer an explanation.

People working in the local government service would know that education is anything but simple, especially when it comes to teaching, an aspect that parents are much concerned with, and which plays a decisive role in students’ learning.

The Ministry of Education Should Take Action

Although education falls under the local government, as the leading institution of nationwide education, the Ministry of Education should rectify the problem to reassure parents, and use the opportunity to show its support for teachers and civic education.

Last year on her first day in office, Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao (高虹安) started visiting different education personnel, listening to opinions and advice. She was hoping to take in all education issues on the public’s mind and map out timelines and strategies.

Furthermore, Kao underscored that in terms of the implementation and promotion of bilingual education, the priority would be to reduce the faculties’ burden and emphasize course preparation and talent cultivation. She would also increase the number of demonstration schools and push forward with bilingual education experimentation.

As the government is struggling with the printing and supply of English textbooks, the policy to implement bilingual education might just end up being a castle in the sky after all.

Chang Huey-por is a former president of National Changhua University of Education.

Translated by Rita Wang