Separation of powers between central and local governments on equality of educational opportunity: A case study: the extension of elementary English education

[[abstract]] In recent years, central and local governments have usually stood for different positions on compulsory education issues. Sometimes, central and local governments take inconsistent actions for the same matter, and consequently these inconsistencies are ironically called “one country, with too many governances.” Such inconsistency is a disadvantage for developing the stability and equality in educational system, and further causes turbulence among students, parents, and society; it in terms deteriorates the basis of cooperation between central and local governments. However, the root to the problem is that there is no consensus on vertical separation of powers. This study selects “the extension of elementary English education” as the case, using document analysis to interpret the laws and interviews to gather the opinions about vertical separation of powers. The research findings show that the jurisdiction of central government is diminished from what it ought to be, whereas the jurisdiction of local government is enlarged from “inclination of central government,” “mayors’ consideration,” and “the condition of local finance.” Concerning the opinions on what kind of separation of powers should there be, a contradicted statement on the jurisdiction of central government is found; for the jurisdiction of local government, the definition and the scope of local self-governance should be set forth first. Even though local governments are entitled to exercise the jurisdiction granted, the relevant measures for implementing any policy still need to be completed in advance. According to the current practice of separation of powers, equality of educational opportunity is hardly assured by neither the subsidies, supervision of self-governance, and policy planning at the central government level, nor by policy planning and implementation at the local government level. Furthermore, the current practice of separation of powers is regarded as a potential harm to the equality of educational opportunity. Eventually, this study provides some suggestions, from three perspectives – separation of powers, equality of educational opportunity, and English education – to the policy authority.