Japanese Education System

 General education

According to the Japanese philosophy of education, the Japanese people should be educated for life. This training should be provided by both public and private institutions. Public houses, youth centers, nature centers for children, museums, libraries, physical education and entertainment centers are important institutions that organize non-formal education activities. Among these, public houses have a different place. Public houses in most of the municipalities organize various educational activities that will increase the cultural level of individuals.

Teacher Training

In Japan, students are admitted to teacher education through a two-stage exam. The first stage is carried out throughout the country, and the second stage is carried out by the universities. Teacher training is carried out in two ways: diploma education in education faculties or departments of universities and education universities and certified education in other faculties. In order to be appointed as a teacher, it is necessary to obtain a teaching certificate. Teacher certificates are of two types, permanent and temporary. Continuous certificates are also divided into two as first and second class. Permanent certification is valid throughout the country. Those who have this certificate serve as principal teachers. Temporary certificates, on the other hand, are only valid in the provinces where they are issued, and those who have this certificate are appointed as assistant teachers. In Japan, a general teaching certificate is required to work in kindergartens and primary schools, and a certificate from a specific field is required to work in secondary and high schools. In addition, the issuance of these certificates varies according to school levels. Those who graduate from two-year colleges are given a temporary certificate for high school teaching, and a first class certificate for primary, primary and secondary school teaching. Those who complete four years of tertiary education are eligible for second grade certification for high school teaching and first grade for primary, primary and secondary school teaching. Graduates at the postgraduate level receive a first-class certificate for high school teaching. In order to become a teacher, teacher candidates in Japan are taken to a proficiency exam that includes general culture, field and profession information and is held three times a year. Candidates who pass this exam are also subjected to an interview and practice exam. Candidates who are successful in these exams are included in the internship period and those who complete this six-month period are granted the right to become public servants and appointed as principal teachers. Teachers are given in-service training activities by units organized at national, local and municipal levels. This training; courses, seminars, undergraduate completion and postgraduate education. The purpose of in-service training; To develop teachers' professional knowledge, skills and abilities.

Education Management and Finance

The unit responsible for educational services at the national level in Japan is the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. However, the administration of the country's education system is based on decentralization and the role of the ministry of education is generally coordinator. The Ministry is responsible for the management of universities, colleges, technical colleges, museums and primary and secondary education institutions established under universities, and the preparation of the education budget. It also shares authority and responsibility with the government and the national assembly in drafting education laws and implementing education policies. In addition, it provides financial assistance to Provincial and Municipal Education Boards, provides technical guidance and makes suggestions to them. It determines the general standards that should be applied from pre-school level to higher education level and approves the textbooks to be taught in primary and secondary education. In short, it provides national integrity in the provision of education services.

47 Provincial Education Boards and more than 3,000 Municipal Education Boards are responsible for the on-site execution of educational work in the country. The Provincial Education Board consists of 5 people and is appointed by the governor for 4 years with the approval of the provincial council. The Municipal Board of Education consists of 3 or 5 members and is appointed by the mayor for a period of 4 years. Managers are appointed to the Provincial Board of Education with the approval of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, and to the Municipal Board of Education with the approval of the Provincial Board of Education.

The jurisdictions of the Provincial Education Boards and the Municipal Education Boards have been determined in such a way as not to cause a conflict between them. Provincial Education Boards manage secondary education secondary schools and educational institutions working in the social and cultural field. Municipal Education Boards, on the other hand, manage primary schools, secondary schools and social and cultural education institutions opened by municipalities. The appointment of official primary and secondary school teachers and the certificates to be given to teachers are under the responsibility of the Provincial Education Board.