Chapter 2
Towards Advancement of "Academic Ability"
"Academic Ability" is an aspect of the "Zest for Living" that children living in the 21st century are hoped to acquire. This chapter clarifies what "Academic Ability" is and why it is now considered necessary, based on the social background and the realities of Japanese children's academic abilities. The chapter also introduces the characteristics of the new Courses of Study revised with the basic aim of developing such ability, approaches of schools and boards of education to realize this aim, and means of support by Government. It provides an overview of the advancement of primary and secondary education in Japan towards the attainment of "Academic Ability"
