The Lower House has passed three education reform-related bills that will pave the way for more control of education by the central government. Regrettably, the Lower House did not make sufficient efforts to protect the education scene from unnecessary intervention. The Upper House must thoroughly discuss problems contained in the bills.
A bill to revise the school education law lists "public spirit" and an "attitude that loves the nation" as important education goals. Since these concepts concern students' inner thoughts, the Upper House must press the government to make clear who will define these concepts, what the definitions will be and how teachers will assess students.
The bill also says students must be led to "correct understanding" of the nation's history. This could lead to imposition of the government's own interpretation of history on students. Lawmakers must examine the inherent danger of this provision.