An advisory panel to Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori agreed at a meeting Tuesday to clearly state in its final report to be submitted Dec. 22 whether it supports revising the 1947 Fundamental Law of Education, panel members said.
The members of the National Commission on Educational Reform also agreed in principle to review a proposal that would mandate community service for elementary, junior and senior high school students, and one that would include work-study programs as part of extra-curricular activities.
The panel, headed by Nobel Prize in physics winner Reona (Leo) Esaki, is expected to hold three more meetings before submitting the report.
While considering law revisions in specific cases, the panel's interim report submitted in September stops short of presenting a clear stance on the matter.
Some panel members, however, voiced the view that the panel should present a detailed outline of the issue in the final report. They will also discuss the matter at the panel's next meeting.
Mori, who spoke at the meeting, promised to implement education reform after the final report is submitted.
"It is necessary to promote education balanced on sound (physical) health, morals and knowledge, while maintaining Japanese culture and tradition," he said.
He did not, however, mention revising the education law.
The panel earlier recommended that all elementary, junior high and senior high school students participate in community service to nurture their self-reliance and civic spirit.
The idea has been criticized at public hearings.