26	�gI Outline of Japanese School System�h	Previous	Next	JAPANESE
	The biggest problem encountered by the colleges of technology in the Japanese school system, is that the element of the dual school system was brought into the democratic 6-3 single-track school system that was put into practice under the educational reforms instituted after World War II. The 5-year systematic curriculum that corresponds to three years of upper secondary education and two years of lower higher education do not correspond with the curriculums of upper secondary schools, universities and junior colleges in Japan�fs single-track school system. This made transferring to colleges of technology for high school graduates and transferring to universities for graduates of colleges of technology difficult. In other words, colleges of technology tended to become �edead end�f institutions because they were seen as schools �eoutside�f of Japan�fs 6-3-3-4 single-track school system. This problem got serious with the increase in the demand for transfers to universities by graduates of colleges of technology concurrent with advances in the structure of industry. It was solved with a revision of �eCriteria for University Establishment,�f which facilitated the transfer of units which students attained in colleges of technology to universities. In short, a shift from a �edual system�f of schools to �ediversification of educational opportunities�f occurred involving �eenlargement of choices�f. However, this development raised questions regarding the social functions and viability of the colleges of technology.

Please send your comments and concerns here

kamada@criced.tsukuba.ac.jp

Center for Research on International Cooperation in Educational Development(CRICED) University of Tsukuba
1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, IBARAKI
305-857, JAPAN