Abstract
1. The purpose of this thesis The problem of the total number of personnel at public schools and the staffing of schools has occupied a very important position in educational policy in Japan. This is because it is a fundamental condition needed to raise school education standards as well as the problem of quality and capacity of personnel in public schools. Today an ever-increasing number of children are mentally and physically exhausted by 'exam hell', by examination scores, by corporal punishment, by bullying, and by school violence. These children are refusing in evergrowing numbers to go to school. We must look the facts straight in the face. Looking ahead to education in the 21st century, in June 1997 the Central Council for Education issued its first report. In this report, the Council emphasized the significance of the problem of staffing schools among the current topics of educational reform. 2. Summary of three reports Three members of our Society presented their opinions on this topic. The first reporter, Y. Wakai (Jyoetsu University of Teacher Education), proposed that we discuss the practice and problems concerning the 6th improving program of total personnel number in public schools. The next, A. Watanabe (Tottori University), discussed the significance and problems concerning the Standard Laws on class size and the total personnel numbers in public schools. The last reporter, S. Takakura (Meikai University), reported on national finances impact on the total personnel number at public schools. 3. Summary of the discussion After the presentations, we took some questions and heard opinions from the participants. The focus of the discussion was centered around the problem of staffing schools of personnel of public schools. The 6th program has arranged the new diverse staff in schools by the team-teaching method and others. However, the present limit of 40 pupils and students per class has not been improved. The proposal that this number should be reduced to 30 has been supported by public opinion. Therefore, we were conscious of the following. In the end, we should study how to establish a new principle of public school organization and also how to improve the class size and total personnel number at public schools in Japan.
