Section 1. Basic Thinking Behind the Five-Day School Week
3. Phased Implementation of the Five-Day School Week
Introduction of the five-day school week requires substantial changes to an educational framework that is firmly established in society. The impact that these changes will have on schools, families, and communities must therefore be considered comprehensively.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture accordingly established the Consultative Committee for Research and Surveys Regarding New School Management and Related Matters Necessitated by Social Change. This panel, organized within the Ministry, consisted of people from various fields. It conducted in-depth studies of the issues involved and in February 1992 issued a report on its deliberations, in which it expressed the view that a smooth transition to the five-day school week could best be achieved by first introducing a monthly five-day school week and then proceeding to the next stage after resolving any problems that might arise during the initial phase. In line with this recommendation, the Ministry introduced a monthly five-day school week, with schools closed on the second Saturday of the month. The new system was implemented in the second term of the 1992 school year.
