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PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture

Institutions of formal education play an important role in offering a basis of lifelong learning. At the elementary and secondary education level, in particular, it is necessary to enable children to fully acquire essential knowledge and skills and to enhance those educational programs whereby pupils can fully develop their individuality. It is also necessary to place emphasis on helping pupils develop their willingness to learn on their own initiative, as well as their ability to adapt themselves to various changes in society. These elements were included in the basic major principles in the revision of the Courses of Study for elementary and secondary schools made in 1989. In addition, institutions of formal education should serve as facilities for lifelong learning and offer people diverse learning opportunities. The Government has taken a variety of measures, including those for facilitating the acceptance of working adults into these institutions.