(2)Reforms of the System

As shown above, with the reorganization of elementary schools into National Schools, the aims of education took on a distinctly nationalistic character. In addition, there were several changes: 1) The period of compulsory education was decided to be extended to eight years from 1944; 2) The program was divided into a six-year primary course (shotoka) and a two-year higher course; 3) For those students who completed the second year of the higher course and wished to continue their education, a special training course (tokushuka) of one additional year was offered; 4) The earlier practice of excusing school-age children from compulsory education for poverty of their parents or guardians was forbidden. In connection with this, while the home study courses which were previously acknowledged for ordinary elementary education were abolished, National Schools could offer special classes or schools for mentally or physically handicapped children; and 5) The new positions of vice-principal (kyoto) and nursing teacher (yogo kundo) were created. The positions of principal and vice-principal could now be filled by sonin rank officials as appointed with the Emperor's approval.

The eight-year period of compulsory education was scheduled to be enforced in 1944 (and the students who completed the sixth grade of the National School and studied at a middle level school for two years were supposed to satisfy the eight-year requirement for compulsory education), but in fact due to the wartime emergency it was not put into effect.

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