Covert

Hi folks,

Here's a double-dose of education coverage from Japan in today's Daily
Yomiuri newspaper.

Both of the opinion articles only mention home-based learning in passing,
but they are nevertheless worth a read for the background info they offer
about alternative and mainstream education in Japan. Website links are
provided below.

Regards,

Brian Covert
(KnoK NEWS)
in Osaka, Japan

-----------------------------

Matters of Opinion:
'FREE' SCHOOLS STRIVE TO GIVE STUDENTS AN ALTERNATIVE
--> http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/newse/0919so17.htm
[Excerpt:]
"Most primary and middle schools currently issue certificates of
graduation to students even if they do not attend any classes at all.
Although few are aware of this, this means students at free schools such
as Tokyo Shure can attend alternative schools and still graduate from
primary and middle schools as long as they are of the age at which
education is compulsory."

Matters of Opinion:
DEFIANT CHILDREN A PRODUCT OF SCHOOL RIGIDITY
--> http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/newse/0919so18.htm
[Excerpt:]
"....Shunsuke Serizawa -- a prominent observer of educational issues --
sees hope in the trends. He feels that schools should step down from
their godlike dais and families should rethink their priorities to bring
some humanity back into our society instead of focusing all on getting
their children ahead in the academic rat race."


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