Yohei Matsumoto MEXT Minister Press Conference, October 24
Overview
At the October 24, Reiwa 7 press conference by Yohei Matsumoto, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, policies were presented on reforming teachers’ work styles in light of Prime Minister Takaichi’s instruction to consider easing working-hour regulations, expectations for the newly appointed senior vice-ministers and parliamentary vice-ministers, responses to new economic measures, and the status of discussions on making high school tuition free. The government explained its policy of reducing teachers’ working hours, supporting boards of education, promptly considering items for inclusion in the economic measures, and providing information and ensuring the reliable payment of support funds related to tuition-free education.
Key points
- Reform of teachers’ work styles will continue to be promoted.
- The newly appointed senior vice-ministers and parliamentary vice-ministers are expected to reflect voices from the field.
- Items to be included in the economic measures will be considered promptly.
- Preparations will be made to provide information and pay support funds in support of making high school tuition free.
Overview
The press conference addressed four issues concerning education and other matters. Regarding Prime Minister Takaichi’s instruction to consider easing working-hour regulations, the government indicated that it would closely monitor the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s deliberations while further advancing work-style reform in schools.
The conference also explained the approach to administrative management following the new appointments of senior vice-ministers and parliamentary vice-ministers, matters for consideration by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in the economic measures, and the response to the three-party consultations concerning making high school tuition free.
Impact
Reform of teachers’ work styles was described as extremely important also because it could help resolve the shortage of people entering the teaching profession.
Regarding making high school tuition free, the government indicated that it would provide information swiftly and accurately and ensure the reliable payment of support funds so that applicants and third-year middle school students can confidently choose their future paths.
Details
Under the amended Special Measures Act for Salary of Teachers and Other School Personnel, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will work toward the target of reducing overtime school hours to approximately 30 hours on average by FY Reiwa 11 by streamlining duties, improving the staffing complement for teaching personnel, securing the budget needed to enhance the deployment of support staff, and providing ongoing support to boards of education that formulate plans.
On the 22nd, Senior Vice-Minister Nakamura, Senior Vice-Minister Kobayashi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shimizu, and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Fukuda were appointed, for a total of four people. The minister expressed the hope that they would use their experience and knowledge to reflect voices from the field in the administration of education, culture, sports, science and technology.
The economic measures listed revitalizing public education, responding to tuition-free education, and expanding investment in advanced science and technology as matters for consideration, but their details were described as still under discussion. The agreement explicitly states that making high school tuition free will begin next April, and consultations among the Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito are progressing.