Society is significantly changing with rapid technological innovation. It is important for high school education to emphasize its originality and characteristics in order to nurture human resources who will lead the next generation.
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has compiled a draft plan to reorganize the general course for high school. New types of high schools will be born as early as the spring of 2022.
There are three kinds of high school courses -- a general course for general education, a specialized course mainly for commerce, agriculture and industry, and a comprehensive course combining general and specialized education.
Under this reorganization plan, the conventional general course will continue to exist. In addition, the ministry plans to allow the establishment of new courses, such as those beyond the conventional framework of humanities and sciences, and those aimed at solving regional problems.
The content of education in the general course, in which 70% of high school students are enrolled, is criticized as being uniform as it puts too much emphasis on university entrance examinations. Some students have chosen high schools based on their deviation scores rather than on what they really want to learn, resulting in a lack of motivation to study. Education should become attractive so that it will encourage students to study at their own initiative.
What is worrisome is that it is hard to see a concrete picture of the new courses. For example, schools are expected to tackle the sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations. However, if there are too many high schools in each region that are studying the SDGs, then this will be a case of putting the cart before the horse.
The education ministry should present concrete examples for the new courses so that the reform will not end up being a mere change of name. It is hoped that each board of education will deepen discussions on what kind of high schools are really needed in their communities.
The voting age was lowered to 18 and high school students have become eligible to vote while in school. Some students go out to work right after graduation. In addition to education that helps young voters understand the meaning of the sovereignty of the people, it will become important to promote career education that helps them think about their future jobs.
There is a strong demand for responding to new industries and technologies. With the reorganization plan, it is also essential to improve specialized vocational education.
Many high schools are falling short of their quota due to the declining birthrate. In areas where the number of students has declined sharply, classes and club activities have been disrupted. Efforts should be made to attract students from outside the prefecture by streamlining school management through mergers and closures and close cooperation with neighboring schools.
The declining birthrate is also affecting high schools in urban areas. If the old-fashioned education system continues, the number of students could decline further.
Not a few high schools have unclear educational policies and goals. It is vital to explain to examinees and their guardians what kind of students they are trying to nurture and have them understand it.
There is a limit to the efforts to be made on the side of high schools alone. Hopefully, schools will strengthen cooperation with local governments, industries and universities, among others, to better understand the needs of society and local communities. It may also be worth considering having them participate in classes and school management.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on Aug. 7, 2020.
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