JAPANESE SCHOOL SYSTEM

Aisling Kennedy

Japanese School System

Six years of elementary and three years of lower secondary are compulsory (Gimukyoiku: 9 years) However, nearly all continue on to High School Mainly public (less than 5% private) through Junior High Over 25% private in Senior High displaying the extent of competition of students and schools as well as the willingness of parents to pay After Junior High, student will either continue on to High School followed by University or look for employment Special schooling is available for physically and mentally challenged children

One of the highest standards of education and one of the highest literacy rates Approximately 93% of students enter noncompulsory high school and almost all graduate High school drop out rate is about 2% and has been increasing. Approximately 46% of all high school graduates go on to university or junior college.

Education System

Reformed after World War II referencing the American system The old 6-5-3-3 system was changed to a 6-3-3-4 system (6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University) Japan has one of the world's best-educated populations, with 100% enrollment in compulsory grades and zero illiteracy. The Ministry of Education closely supervises curriculum and textbooks, and classes with much the same content are taught throughout the country. As a result, a high standard of education becomes possible.

KINDERGARTEN (YOCHIEN)
Optional, not considered one of the 6 mandatory years of elementary school In 2000, number of new students was 63% more than new students to elementary or Junior high showing that many began school before required

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (SHOGAKKOU)

Required from ages six to twelve Uniforms are mandatory Children turning 6 on or before April 1 enter first grade for that year School runs from April to March usually Monday through Friday or Saturday School is composed of three terms separated by short holidays in winter and spring and a one month summer holiday As of April 2011, English became a compulsory part of the elementary curriculum

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (CHUGAKKOU)

Mandated from ages twelve to fifteen and covers grades seven, eight and nine Important stage in school life, as results will influence which high school student is accepted into Large class size (approx 38) Lecture style teaching with a different teacher for each subject

Teacher moves instead of students

Homeroom teacher is also counselor The junior school curriculum covers Japanese language, social studies, mathematics, science, music, fine arts, health, and physical education

Also industrial art and homemaking

JUNIOR HIGH

JUNIOR HIGH

CRAM SCHOOL

Juku (Cram School) is the preparation for high school entrance exam is often started at a young age and run late into the evening and on weekends Provide supplementary education that many children need just to keep up with the regular school curriculum Remedial education for children falling behind Prep for students striving to improve test scores Compensates for the education systems unwillingness to help the individual Most children ask to attend for social reasons, and enjoy the closer contact with their teachers

Juku Rates

Juku Attendance Rates by Grade Level Through Compulsory Education

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (KOUKOU)

From fifteen to eighteen, although not required is attended by most (over 90%) Generally a 3 year program Entrance exam determines school Several types of high school:

General academic Specialized for future employment Technology colleges (5 year program) Evening or correspondence classes High school graduates are eligible to take admissions exams for college

Those

who are not graduates need to first take a qualification test

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Neither public nor private is free Private institutions represents over 55% of Upper Secondary school The first year in most programs include basic courses of Japanese, English, Math and Science Course content and selection are individualized starting in the second year

Differences between Japanese and American schools

Japan Teachers direct what students should do or how they should be Students follow strict instructions Students expected to be quiet Important information written on board Teachers seldom check in with students to ensure their understanding Strict teacher student relationship Memorization is key Students receive more help from classmates rather than teacher

America Students independent, interrupt teacher to ask questions and share opinions Class participation valued and required Oral instruction Students must take their own notes and pay attention Friendly student teacher relationship Informal Attendance important Understand and interpret material

Differences between Japanese and American schools

Family is extremely invested in the success of the child Japanese illiteracy rate very low compared to increasing American illiteracy Tremendous pressure on Japanese students beginning with High School entrance exams

Problems with bullying and suicide

Japanese High School graduates have similar education level to American students who have completed a Bachelors degree Japanese out test American students on International tests Great disparity between caliber of American schools, often adjusted" results Why is it that the worst Japanese classroom describes an Average American classroom?