The Japanese government has begun considering having "zero-grade" students -- those who graduated in March but are waiting for the school year to begin in September -- begin elementary school before they enter first grade, the Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. One of the issues The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has to consider when trying to change the start of the academic year to September is what to do with students who have already graduated from kindergarten or nursery schools in March.
If children begin elementary school in September, they will begin classes six months later than the current start date. The ministry expects the introduction of zero-grade students will make the transition to a September start relatively smooth, even if kindergarten and nursery school graduation remains in March. Children who graduate in March 2021 will spend five months from April to August in elementary schools as zero graders. As a result, elementary school will be 6-1/2 years under the new September enrollment system that may be introduced next year.
In line with the introduction of zero-grade students, the ministry will also consider such measures as securing teachers for zero-grade students, developing a curriculum and creating textbooks for them.
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