Expansion and Changes in Upper Secondary Education : History and Function of Supplementary Instruction (HOSYU-KA) during Post War Era

This investigation is about the history and function of supplementary instruction (HOSYU-KA) in Japan after the war. Education of Japan became democratic after the war. Its education system and law changed into a democratic one. But, the HOSYU-KA continued. The main purpose of HOSYU-KA like the Pre War Era was to upgrade scholastic ability while HOSYU-KA was a formal function of the school during the Pre War Era, it became an informal function of the school during the Post War period. This was became the educational system and educational idea changed. However, the HOSYU-KA continued to exist. That explained the existence of strict control and competition in the educational system. HOSYU-KA disappeared in 1960\u27s as a result of the high school entrance examination reform. At present, only Kagawa, Okayama, Shimane, and Tottori prefecture remained to adopt HOSYU-KA. (HOSYU-KA was a specialty in Tottori prefecture) HOSYU-KA in these prefectures became a strong district education administration. Aside from upgrading scholastic ability, HOSYU-KA provided opportunities for students to disperse in various areas of specialization. It also served the safekeeping function of the school. After HOSYU-KA disappeared, high school students were pressured to study harder. Still, like the Pre War Era, the teacher\u27s opinion on the field of specialization a student must choose played an influential factor that are sough by parents. Another factor that HOSYU-KA revealed was that educational organization expanded making the government take control of the maintenance of the system while encouraging academic competition. Although educational system and educational laws in Pre War Era and Post War Period were changed, commonalties also exist. At present, high school education in Japan became a semi-compulsory education. It is confronted with various problems and difficulties. Issues and problems revealed in the study of HOSYU-KA may provide essential suggestions and solution to the present educational problems of Japan