Japan Press Weekly

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2020 July 8 - 14 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

JCP Dietmembers meet with Assoc. of Governors calling for small class sizes

Japanese Communist Party members of the Lower House Hatano Kimie and of the Upper House Kira Yoshiko, in the Diet building on July 9, met with representatives of the National Governors' Association proposing the implementation of small class sizes in schools as an immediate anti-coronavirus measure.

In the joint names of the Japan Association of City Mayors and the National Association of Towns & Villages, the Governors' Association released a proposal on July 2 appealing for the need to reduce class sizes in order to create proper social distance in schools and increase the number of teaching staff to create small class sizes.

A representative of the Governors' Association said that the promotion of smaller classes is a realistic option to ensure social distancing in schools and is also good for children's education.

Hatano in response said, "I agree with you and will work in the Diet to realize small class sizes." Kira asked if their call is temporary because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis or a call for permanent smaller classes. The representative answered, "We will continue to call for smaller classes even after the coronavirus situation is under control, and no governor made an objection to the proposal."

Past related article:
> Shii and teachers’ union agree on need to reduce class sizes at public schools as part of anti-corona efforts [June 20, 2020]