TOKYO, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Japan's education minister, Takeo Kawamura, Tuesday proposed major reforms in the nation's compulsory education system.
The planned changes would allow greater flexibility for city, town and village administrators to reshape their academic programs as long as they strive to achieve the "national minimum," a set of goals which children must reach by the time they complete their compulsory education.
Under the new system, local administrators may set up 30-pupil classes. The rules even allow changes in the duration of the required schooling, which, under current laws implemented in 1947, must consist of 6 years of elementary school and 3 years of junior high school.
The new rules would require teachers to renew their teaching credentials at certain intervals, unlike the current system where they are set for life once they are qualified.
The minister is expected to submit the revised School Education Law in the next regular Diet session.
