FY2011 Results of the current situation regarding implementation of the Five Proposals and Specific Measures for Developing Proficiency in English for International Communication

1.  On student’s English ability and learning attainment target (in relation to Proposal 1)

10.1% of third-year senior high school students of public schools had English abilities of STEP Grade 2 or higher. 20.3% of the students had English abilities equivalent to STEP Grade 2 or higher without having taken an external certification test, making the total number of students proficient at this level at around 30.4%.

2.  On stimulating student’s motivation for English learning (in relation to Proposal 2)

In order to provide students with opportunities of using English out of school, 22.4% of the schools conduct speech contests and debate matches. 11.8% of the schools conduct events such as English camps.

3.  On providing students with more opportunities to use English (in relation to Proposal 3)

1.  The total number of ALTs employed to utilize in English classes in senior high schools is 2,379 people; out of which the number of ALTs participating in the JET program is the highest at 62.0%. The number of ALTs who are directly employed full time is 19.0%. Those under service contracts is 10.4% and those under worker dispatch contracts is 5.1%.
2.  93.7% of the schools utilize ALTs for English-related classes, and 5.7% of the schools use ALTs for other subjects and or classes. Furthermore, 53.6% of the schools utilize ALTs for education activities aside of regular subject classes.
3.  The number of foreign teachers at senior high schools employed by education boards is 9 people.
4.  22.2% of the schools provide English learning opportunities in and out of the classroom using ICT materials such as the internet and digital blackboards.

4.  On improving English skills and instruction abilities of English teachers, and the strategic improvement of English education at the level of schools and communities (in relation to Proposal 4)

The English proficiency of 52.8% of English teachers was above STEP Grade Pre-1, TOEFL (PBT) score of over 550, CBT score of over 213, iBT score of over 80 and a TOEIC score of over 730. Out of the teachers who have taken external certification tests, 71.6% have passed either one of the above examinations.

Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau
International Education Division
Foreign Language Education Promotion Office
Tel: 03-5253-4111 (Extension 3480)