TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — By the end of February, nearly 70% of Taiwan’s elementary and middle schools had fully implemented English instruction in their English classes, according to the Ministry of Education’s latest statistics.

This change follows a policy adjustment made in May 2024, which shifted Taiwan’s bilingual education strategy to focus on enhancing English instruction within English language classes. The revision replaced earlier proposals to expand English-medium instruction (EMI), where English is used to teach subjects like math, science, or history in schools where the primary language is not English.

Under the previous policy, 60% of schools below senior high school level were expected to adopt full English instruction in English classes, while one in seven schools would explore bilingual teaching in non-language subjects. However, this broader approach sparked debate.

The National Federation of Teachers Unions, among the most vocal critics, warned that applying EMI to subjects like math or science could hinder students' comprehension of the content and their language proficiency, per CNA.

In response, the Ministry of Education, in its latest report to the Legislative Yuan, confirmed a more focused approach. Proposals to extend EMI beyond English language classes were notably omitted.

Instead, the revised policy centers on three main strategies. These include expanding access to English instruction, addressing learning disparities, and targeted development.

To support this effort, the ministry has established a talent pool of over 10,000 bilingual educators, including 3,659 pre-service teacher trainees. Supplementary teaching materials have also been released, including reference manuals, educational card games, and 95 instructional videos demonstrating effective teaching practices.

Professional development remains a cornerstone of the initiative, with English teachers receiving ongoing support through overseas training opportunities and regular workshops across Taiwan to enhance teaching standards.

Taiwan’s bilingual education policy is part of a broader national goal to improve English proficiency and enhance international competitiveness. Under the Cabinet's directive, the National Development Council has set a target of making Taiwan a bilingual nation by 2030.