Taiwan Ministry of Education Pledges Amendments to Experimental Education Laws Next Year Following Public Hearing

On April 13, 2026, the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee convened a public hearing to discuss revisions to Taiwan's three experimental education laws. Participants identified problems including the existing review and evaluation mechanisms, difficulties in acquiring suitable sites, and inadequate counseling resources for experimental education. Vice Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien stated that the Ministry of Education plans to propose amendments next year, marking the 10-year anniversary of the last legislative revision. Wei Kun-bin, Chairman of the Taiwan Experimental Education Alliance, suggested that experimental education requires a redefinition and a restructuring of systemic frameworks, advocating for specialized laws tailored to different categories. Li You-cheng, Project Host at 5IN Experimental Education Institution, emphasized the need for the government to acknowledge the growing demand for experimental education, provide clearer positioning, and utilize it as an innovation engine for the broader education system, supported by public incentive mechanisms and increased teaching subsidies. Chen Hui-xun, Executive Director of the Taiwan Continuing Forward Indigenous Education and Culture Industry Association, recommended encouraging universities to establish experimental education departments to address challenges in indigenous teacher training. Associate Professor Cheng Tung-liao of National Chengchi University's Education Department proposed diversifying teacher training, recognizing various educational approaches for certification, prioritizing unused school properties for non-school institutions, increasing the experimental school ratio from 5% to 15% per stage, and mandating professional training for review committee members. KMT Legislator Ko Ju-chun highlighted the stable growth of experimental education students but noted low subsidies (NT$36.41 million for the 114 academic year, averaging NT$1300 per student). He called for a substantial subsidy system, a comprehensive review of the three laws, and consideration of specialized legislation. DPP Legislator Wu Li-hua suggested transitioning the experimental education review committee from a rejection-oriented model to a supportive governance approach, establishing learning networks, and increasing expert representation on committees to counteract potential local administrative overreach. DPP Legislator Chen Pei-yu acknowledged that experimental education legislation has fostered educational choice and diversity, leading to increased participation but also revealing issues requiring amendments. These include streamlining application processes, assisting with venue applications, and facilitating referrals for specialized counseling resources, emphasizing that experimental education students are integral to the system. Vice Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien acknowledged the challenges faced by experimental education institutions and pledged government recognition and public resource investment. He noted the inconsistent standards and thresholds for publicly run experimental schools due to local approval authority. This year, the Ministry will implement an "innovative education plan" to provide resources through a review process. Research on integrating innovative and mainstream education will commence this year, with exchanges starting next year. Regarding venues, Chang Liao Wan-chien mentioned that the Public Construction Commission issued regulations in September last year concerning the diversified use and rental of surplus school spaces. The Ministry of Education will monitor compliance to ensure space availability for local educational initiatives. Resource deficiencies will be promptly addressed and incorporated into next year's budget.