June 14, 2013
Government of Japan

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Overview of the Future of Education in Japan

1.Educational mission 2.Changes in the country in various fields (1)Rapid social changes in relation to globalization, the declining birthrate, and the aging population (2)Various crises facing the country 3.Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake 4.Directions in society

1.The accomplishments and issues of the First Basic Plan (1)Status and issues of the stages until the completion of compulsory education (2)Status and issues of the stage after entering upper secondary school (3)Status and issues of lifelong learning 2.General overview of the First Basic Plan and future direction

1.Developing social competencies for survival: Independence and collaboration in a diversified and rapidly changing society 2.Developing human resources for a brighter future: Human resources to initiate and create changes and new values through leadership in various fields in society 3.Building safety nets for learning: A wide range of learning opportunities accessible to everyone 4.Building bonds and establishing vibrant communities: A virtuous circle where society nurtures people and people create society

1.Meaning of educational policies 2.Common principles to materialize the Four Basic Policy Directions (1)Respect for diversity in education (2)Vertical connections for the lifelong learning society (3)Horizontal cooperation and collaboration throughout society, according to the responsibilities of each sector (4)Collaboration between the national and local governments for revitalization of the educational sector 3.Methods of educational investment

Part 2: Educational Policies to be Implemented in the Next Five Years:Eight Achievement Targets and 30 Basic Measures Based on the Four Basic Policy Directions

1.Developing social competencies for survival (1)Primary measures for elementary and secondary school students Achievement Target 1: Solid cultivation of zest for life Basic Measure1: Improvement of educational content and methods to cultivate solid academic abilities Basic Measure 2: Cultivation of richness in humanity Basic Measure 3: Cultivation of a sound body Basic Measure 4: Comprehensive improvement of teacher quality and ability Basic Measure 5: Enhancement of early childhood education Basic Measure 6: Promotion of special needs education Basic Measure 7: Continuous development of the PDCA cycle at each school (2)Primary measures for students in higher education stages Achievement Target 2: Acquisition of the ability to explore and tackle issues Basic Measure 8: Quality change in university education to stimulate students’ active learning Basic Measure 9: Quality assurance of higher education (3)Primary measures for students in elementary, secondary, and higher education Basic Measure 10: Development of a flexible education system according to student growth (4)Measures to be promoted in each life stage Achievement Target 3: Development of competencies for independence, collaboration, and creativity over one’s lifetime Basic Measure 11: Promotion of learning as a means to solve current social issues Basic Measure 12: Promotion of learning quality assurance and assessing/using learning outcomes Achievement Target 4: Development of abilities for social and vocational independence Basic Measure 13: Enhancement of career education, vocational education, support for participation in society, and the development of core specialists or highly trained professionals through industry-academia-government collaboration 2.Developing human resources for a brighter future Achievement Target 5: Human resource development to initiate and create social changes and new values Basic Measure 14: Provision of various and high level learning opportunities that expand outstanding ability and individuality Basic Measure 15: Enhancement of universities’ research capacity and the formation of distinguished education and research centers by strengthening the function of graduate schools Basic Measure 16: Strengthening of initiatives for global human resource development, such as foreign language education, communication with international students, international student exchange programs, and internationalization of universities 3.Building safety nets for learning Achievement Target 6: Provision of learning opportunities for all who are motivated Basic Measure 17: Financial support to reduce the burden of educational costs Basic Measure 18: Educational support such as providing learning opportunities for people who face difficulties in learning or participating in society Achievement Target 7: Provision of safe and secure educational and research environments Basic Measure 19: Enhancement of educational and research environments and ensuring students’ safety in schools (e.g., enhancing safety education) 4.Building bonds and establishing vibrant communities Achievement Target 8: Establishment of vibrant communities through support and cooperation Basic Measure 20: Development of a good learning environment and a collaborative system for building bonds and establishing vibrant communities Basic Measure 21: Increase of higher education institutions that function as centers of community (promoting the Center of Community framework) Basic Measure 22: Support for education at home with abundant and good relationships

Basic Measure 23: Reforms for field-oriented school management and regional education administration Basic Measure 24: Establishment of an educational staff guidance system for detailed and high quality education Basic Measure 25: Establishment of educational environments for good and high quality learning Basic Measure 26: Enhancement of university governance Basic Measure 27: Clarification of universities’ individuality and distinctions, as well as strengthening of their functions based on such individuality and distinctions (profiling by institutional mission) Basic Measure 28: Enhancement of universities’ financial base and establishment of strategic facility improvements according to their individuality and distinctions Basic Measure 29: Promotion of private schools Basic Measure 30: Strengthening of the system for promoting social education

Part 3: Important Matters Necessary for the Comprehensive and Systematic Implementation of Policies

(Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau, Policy Planning and Coordination Division)