This book reviews the process of education reform implemented during the
years 1995 to 1997. It examines such issues as what have been goals and
objectives of education reform in Korea. How has reform been initiated and
implemented? What have been major difficulties and hurdles? Has reform
been successful? If yes, what are the major factors contributing to success? If
not, why not?

After examining reform process, the book tries to draw some lessons from
the Korean experience for the better management of education reform. The
author believes that the lessons from the Korean reform experience can aid in
developing appropriate strategies for successful education reform both in
future Korea and in other countries.

There have been many studies on what to reform to achieve rapid economic
and social development, but very little studies on how to reform. I hope that
this book can contribute to the study of successful reform management.

Foreword / 3

1. Introduction / 7

2. Background and Objectives of Reform / 9
2-1 Historical Background of Reform / 9
2-2 Goals and Objectives of Reform / 14

3. Initiation and Implementation of Reform / 22

4. Evaluation of Reform Management / 30
4-1 Managing Body: Presidential Commission / 30
4-2 Sequence of Reform / 35
4-3 Vested Interest Groups / 39
4-4 Media Campaign / 48
4-5 Participation of Stakeholders: Teachers and Parents / 49
4-6 Budgetary Support / 53
4-7 Bureaucrats’ Capacity and Deregulation / 55

5. Lessons and Conclusion / 59

References / 74