A Review of Policy Changes in South Korea's Gifted and Talented Education from the Perspective of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory
WANG Shutao,ZHAO Kaiwen,LV Xinlei
Abstract：As a paradigmatic example of implementing gifted and talented education in East Asian,South Korea's policy on gifted education has played a pivotal role in cultivating top-notch innovative talents,serving national strategic imperatives,and enhancing global competitiveness.Since the enactment of the "Law on the Revitalization of Gifted Education" in 2000,through five "Comprehensive Plan for Revitalizing Talent Education",its core philosophy has been experiencing four distinct phases: "selection of elites"-"incubation of elites"-"dynamic education for Talent"-"scientific and technological innovation".Based on the Punctuated Equilibrium Theory,its policy evolution follows a dynamic mechanism characterized by "philosophy shifts→process catalysis→ institutional transition→policy images formation".Specifically,focusing events catalyze paradigm Renewal,institutional friction accelerates policy transformation efficiency,and information processing triggers cyclical transitions.These tripartite triggers a feedback mechanism to generate a new policy image.The resultant dynamic interplay of multivariate factors has engendered a dualistic pattern in South Korea's gifted education policy evolution,manifesting as prolonged equilibrium phases interspersed with episodic policy disruptions.
Key words：South Korea ; gifted and talented education ; punctuated equilibrium theory ; policy changes
Published in International and Comparative Education (《比较教育研究》）2025, Issue 7.
