On Jan.19, the Kagoshima Prefectural Board of Education announced that it will reinstitute Saturday classes at all 743 public elementary and junior high schools in the Prefecture starting in fiscal 2015. Classes will be held once a month on the second Saturday in an effort boost students’ scholastic ability. According to the education ministry, Kagoshima will become the first prefecture to resume Saturday classes since the country completed its shift to a 5-day school week in 2002. Kagoshima has struggled to improve its scores on the national academic achievement tests that are held for all third and ninth graders. The Board of Education has been discussing whether to resume Saturday classes since late last year. The content of the classes will be left to individual municipalities, but they are expected to be used for guest lectures, physical activities, proficiency tests and so-called moral education. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 2/20
(photo for image purpose only)
