A study on the current status of integrated support for ensuring basic academic ability of middle school students: Focusing on the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education

This study aims to analyze the current status of integrated, student-centered support systems designed to ensure basic academic abilities in middle school students. The research team conducted in-depth interviews with eight representatives from three middle schools and a local learning support center under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. The findings reveal that a substantial proportion of students requiring basic academic support also qualify for educational welfare assistance, suggesting that various complex factors contribute to their learning difficulties. While external professional organizations can offer valuable support, schools often hesitate to actively engage in external collaborations. According to the interviewees, integrated support for basic academic abilities is essential for promoting students’ academic and personal growth by helping them maintain their current academic levels and preventing school dropout. Addressing these issues requires a long-term perspective. However, although school support councils composed of diverse members are established, they are not functioning effectively in practice. Based on the findings, this study offers several recommendations, including establishing a student-centered case management system, enhancing integrated support for basic academic abilities through stronger collaborations with related projects, reinforcing the role of the Office of Education as the control tower for integrated support, revitalizing school support councils to improve their functionality, and providing tailored support that considers the unique characteristics of middle school students.