[MEXT] Publication of the Final Report on “School Facilities that Underpin Special Needs Education in the Future”

On March 30, 2022, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) published a report prepared by the Conference of Collaborators on the Research and Study of the State of School Facilities. It is entitled “How school facilities should underpin special needs education in the future: towards creating environments suitable for children to learn together and for diverse learning opportunities.”

The Conference of Collaborators on the Research and Study of the State of School Facilities has six divisions. Specifically, this report was compiled by the Division of School Facilities based on the ideal state of special needs education.

The report makes the following five recommendations:

1.   Development of places for children with and without disabilities to learn together and providing for diverse learning opportunities

  1. Development of places where children with and without disabilities can learn together
  2. Responding to instruction for children with special educational needs enrolled in mainstream schools: Special classes and resource rooms for children who usually study in inclusive classes and occasionally visit these classes to receive special instruction.
  3. Responding to various settings, such as schools that share buildings and grounds with diverse learners with different types of disabilities and educational needs, and schools with varying levels of education.

2.  Improvement of facilities to support education that meets the educational needs of each learner

  1. Responding to different types of disability
  2. Responding to the use of ICT in special needs education and to individually optimized learning and collaborative learning
  3. Responding to learners with medical care needs
  4. Responding to independence and social participation of learners
  5. Responding to seamless support by strengthening collaboration between relevant institutions
  6. Responding to facility needs of teachers and staff engaged in special needs education

3.   Enhancing functions of school facilities as local community hubs

  1. Responding to the need to function as welfare shelters, etc. in the event of a disaster
  2. Places for lifelong learning, engagement with parents, residents, etc.

4.   Creation of safe, secure, and comfortable spaces based on social demands

  1. Barrier-free/universal design
  2. Responding to classroom shortages in schools for special needs education

5.   Other matters regarding the facilities of schools for special needs education that should be enhanced in common with other types of schools

  1. Responding to new courses of study
  2. Enhancing the ICT environment
  3. Ensuring the safety and hygiene of school facilities, reducing environmental impact, and improving disaster preparedness functions
  4. Responding to initiatives that extend the service life of school facilities
  5. Responding to diverse learners from different age groups
  6. Improving the function of the working place of teachers and staff
  7. Promoting cooperation and collaboration with the local community

For more information, please visit the website below (Japanese only):  https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chousa/shisetu/044/toushin/1414523_00005.htm

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