Education law revision to dismiss 'inappropriate' teachers faces growing criticism

The revision of the Local Education Administration Law is being discussed in the Diet. If it is enacted, those teachers, who are judged by boards of education to be "inappropriate" to teach children, will be dismissed or transferred.

Criticism of the law's revision is growing among teachers. They are afraid that this will make it difficult for teachers to tackle problems and difficulties of school education and children, together with parents and local communities.

An elementary school teacher in Osaka Prefecture said that the law's revision is unnecessary because any acts can be dealt with under the existing law and the definition of an "inappropriate" teacher is not clear.

She said that when one of the higher grade classes in her school was in the state of "disorder," other teachers and parents visited the classroom to help the teacher calm down the wild children and give lessons.

If they had spent time discussing whether the class teacher was "inappropriate" or not, teachers and parents would only have distrust of each other and fail to help the teacher overcome the difficulties, she said.

When there is a teacher who seems to have some problem, it is necessary to ensure that teachers and parents can have a frank discussion to solve the problem, and the ministry should take some measures to meet the need, she said.

A psychiatrist in Shizuoka Prefecture, who is treating many teachers and children who have emotional problems, said that if the revised law takes effect and starts dismissing "inappropriate" teachers, all teachers who have worries will have to be silent, despite the need of calling for help.

He warned that schools will subsequently be fearful places to go, where teachers and children are oppressed under strict control and competition.

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Three education bills, which will tighten control over teachers and intensify competition among children, were adopted in the House of Representatives Plenary Session on June 14, with majority votes of the three ruling parties and the Democratic Party of Japan. The Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Liberal Party voted against the bills. The bills are likely to be enacted after an Upper House vote. (end)