PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

Hwawei KoChien-Yu ChangTing-Ya YuChia-Hui ChiuGraduate Institute of Learning and InstructionNational Central UniversityChinese TaipeiLanguage and LiteracyMandarin is the official language of Chinese Taipei, as well as the language of instructionfor most subjects at all school levels. Other languages include Taiwanese, Hakka, aboriginallanguages, and Cantonese. Of these, Taiwanese and Hakka are most commonly spoken.Emphasis on LiteracyOne of the four primary policies listed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in 2006, “Toform literate citizens who can think independently and have self-esteem,” is evidence ofa national emphasis on literacy. 1Several initiatives have been proposed and implemented to promote reading andliteracy. For example, book clubs for adults are organized in almost every sector, includingbusinesses, local communities, and libraries. In 2000, the MOE introduced the NationalChildren’s Reading Movement for young children to emphasize the importance of readingand children’s literature. The Focus 300 project distributes extra funds to 300 elementaryor junior high schools in remote areas, to be put towards the purchase of books andrelated reading activities. In addition, at elementary schools and in regional libraries,there are many volunteer groups that are responsible for children’s extracurricularreading. “Story Mothers” is one such group of volunteer mothers who prepare booksand related reading activities for children such as storytelling, drama, and discussions.There are also two extremely popular children’s reading club websites where childrencan read, watch, discuss, and write about books. One of these, Openbook, is supportedby the MOE. The other website, Children’s Literary Museum, is funded by the Councilfor Cultural Affairs. 2, 3Overview of the Education SystemIn Chinese Taipei, the government has adopted a centralized educational administrationsystem that is characterized by a national standard for curriculum and assessment (i.e.,senior high school and college entrance examinations). All schools in Chinese Taipeihave to follow the national curriculum standards, use approved textbooks, and preparetheir students to pass entrance examinations.89