If you’re a parent in Japan, or an educator looking to understand the legal framework within which you operate, then it’s essential to have a good understanding of the 学校教育法施行規則. This set of regulations is responsible for governing all aspects of school education in Japan, including curriculum, student welfare, and teacher training, among other things.
Background
The 学校教育法施行規則 was first introduced in 1953, with the aim of providing a legal framework for school education in Japan. Since then, it has undergone several revisions, with the most recent set of updates coming in 2018. The regulations are overseen by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), which is responsible for ensuring that they are implemented uniformly across the country.
Scope
The regulations cover a wide range of topics related to school education, including:
- The establishment and management of schools
- The curriculum for primary, middle, and high schools
- Student welfare and guidance
- Teacher training and professional development
- Special needs education
- Examinations and evaluation
School Establishment and Management
According to the regulations, schools in Japan can be established by either public or private entities. Public schools are run by local governments, while private schools are run by private organizations. All schools must be registered with MEXT and must meet certain standards related to facilities, curriculum, and staffing.
Once a school has been established, it must be managed in accordance with the regulations. This includes ensuring that students are provided with a safe and healthy learning environment, that appropriate disciplinary measures are in place, and that the school is financially stable.
Curriculum
The regulations provide a detailed framework for the curriculum to be followed in primary, middle, and high schools. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, covering subjects such as Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, and English language. Schools are also required to offer classes in physical education, music, and art, among other subjects.
In addition to the core curriculum, schools are encouraged to offer extracurricular activities that support students’ interests and talents. These may include sports teams, music clubs, and cultural groups.
Student Welfare and Guidance
The regulations place a strong emphasis on ensuring the welfare of students. Schools are required to provide students with a safe and healthy learning environment, and to offer support to students who may be facing difficulties. This may include counseling services, special education programs, and other forms of assistance.
Schools are also responsible for ensuring that students receive appropriate guidance and support in making decisions about their future. This may include career counseling, assistance with university applications, and guidance on vocational training.
Teacher Training and Professional Development
The regulations require that teachers in Japan receive appropriate training and professional development. This includes initial teacher training programs, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
Teachers are expected to be knowledgeable about the curriculum and to be able to provide effective instruction to students. They are also expected to be able to work collaboratively with other teachers and to engage in continuous improvement activities.
Special Needs Education
The regulations recognize the importance of providing support to students with special needs. Schools are required to offer special education programs to students who require them, and to provide appropriate accommodations and support services.
Special needs education may include programs for students with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or other special needs. Schools are required to work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed.
Examinations and Evaluation
The regulations require that students in Japan be evaluated regularly to ensure that they are making progress. This may include regular exams, quizzes, and other assessments.
Schools are also required to evaluate their own performance on a regular basis. This may include self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and evaluation by external experts. The goal of evaluation is to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that schools are providing the best possible education to students.
Conclusion
The 学校教育法施行規則 is an essential set of regulations that governs school education in Japan. It provides a legal framework for school establishment and management, curriculum, student welfare, and teacher training, among other things. Schools in Japan are expected to operate in accordance with these regulations, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is responsible for ensuring that they are implemented uniformly across the country.
