In an effort to narrow the gap between the English proficiency levels of Taipei City's elementary school children, the city government is now implementing additional English classes in schools. This program, aimed at those who struggle the most in the subject, is estimated to benefit 40,000 students.

A survey conducted by the Department of Education of Taipei City recently shed light on the wide range of English ability levels among elementary school students.

The department plans to provide special English courses at elementary schools in Taipei City to offer extra instruction on this subject.

Students in the bottom 20 to 25 percent of their class who have a teacher's recommendation, along with their parent approval, will qualify to attend the program.

This new course will provide financially disadvantaged students with an opportunity to improve their English for free, while other students can also receive partial subsidies for the class.

Each week, two extra hours of English classes will be taught in addition to the two weekly English classes that are already part of the elementary school curriculum.

Many elementary school principals hope that a more diverse learning environment, paired with interesting class designs, will be more effective in educating the children.

They are confident that the success of the program will increase, and that more and more students will be benefitted by such classes.