English Private Examination Mr. Shimomura “Guide to use at the University of Tokyo” November 19th 18:42
In April last year, the University of Tokyo changed its cautious attitude and started using the English private exam that was postponed this month. This time, NHK got the audio data of the Liberal Democratic Party meeting held just before that. There, it was found that the minister experienced a remark requesting the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to use the private examination at the University of Tokyo. The University of Tokyo said that there was no external influence.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has decided to postpone the introduction of the English private exam for the university entrance examination, but this decision process has been criticized for its uncertainty.
NHK obtained audio data from the LDP Education Rehabilitation Headquarters held on April 13 last year.
In addition to the Liberal Democratic parliamentarians, executives from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and university officials were also invited to exchange opinions on the theme of private English exams.
At that time, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced that it would introduce a private examination into the university entrance examination, but many universities did not use it or expressed their attitude. It attracted attention that it was announced at the conference that it would be fast to use for entrance examinations.
At the meeting, former president Toshiaki Endo, the minister in charge of the Olympics and Paralympics, who served as the chief examiner, reported that President Shingo Gogami of the University of Tokyo visited and explained the contents of the conference.
In addition, Hirofumi Shimomura, the former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology named the University of Tokyo and gave the wrong message to the public and other universities. He said.
The University of Tokyo changed its policy after considering the use of private examinations two weeks after the meeting. The method and content of university entrance examinations are decided by the authority of the university based on the academic freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
In response to the interview, the University of Tokyo replied, “There is no guidance or inquiry from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology or politicians.”
The introduction of private testing
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has decided to introduce an English private exam in July 2017 as a major pillar of the university entrance common test starting in FY2020. However, it was unknown how far the university would use it.
This is because the university decides what kind of entrance examination the university will take, regardless of whether it is public or private, based on academic freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
Under such circumstances, the “National University Association” created by national universities nationwide announced in November of the same year that this private examination would be used.
However, each university did not clarify its utilization policy because of concerns about private examinations, and attention was focused on the judgment of national universities, especially the University of Tokyo.
Under these circumstances, in March last year, the University of Tokyo expressed a reluctance to use private examinations at the press conference, saying that it is currently fast to use for entrance examinations.
However, on the 27th of April the following month, suddenly the policy was changed and a statement was made to use the private examination for entrance examinations in accordance with the guidelines of the National University Association.
In September of last year, the first year was announced that it would be used as an application qualification.
Former Vice President of the University of Tokyo “Resistance to Political Intervention to Academic Freedom”
Professor Yojiro Ishii, former vice president of the University of Tokyo and chairman of the working group studying the private examination, said, “This is a very disappointing statement. I was worried about starting to use private exams as they were unresolved, and everyone was questioned about the change in policy of the university, and the insiders were not sure. There is resistance. "
On the other hand, “Universities are becoming enthusiastic about not confronting the government due to budgetary concerns. Even though it is said that universities are citizens and have lost their loyalty simply by following the country. "It can't be helped."
Motobu Shimomura, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology
Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of the Liberal Democratic Party told NHK about the nuance that “The University of Tokyo is a symbolic university, so it should be encouraged to be introduced by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.” I think it should be used, and many of the national universities say “I will introduce”, but it is natural to say “I should work to get them introduced” "Said.
On the other hand, “If you point out that you should not leave anything to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in spite of the position that you should proceed with the introduction of private tests, you will feel political allegiance. If you leave everything up to the officials and do what the officials say, there is no meaning for the ruling party, and no meaning for the parliamentary cabinet system in the first place. "
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology “Received no individual facts from the University of Tokyo”
According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, “National universities have encouraged all national universities to evaluate four English skills, but there is no fact that they have called or instructed the University of Tokyo at individual meetings.” .
Former president of the Society for Higher Education
“I was surprised to say that it was quite overt. National universities are built on the financial burden of the country, and the voices of the people are also listening to them. It ’s strange that the legislators give concrete instructions, but politicians should never make compelling statements in the university or education settings. The
Administrative science expert "inhibits university autonomy with 'unfair demand'"
Prof. Makihara, Professor of Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo, which specializes in administrative science, said, “It is not legally questionable for politicians to make such remarks. In light of the confusion, this statement can be said to be a kind of “unfair demand.” Given the impact of the decision of the University of Tokyo on other universities, this statement shrank the university. I think that it is a problem with something that obstructs. "
On top of that, “The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is responsible, but the problem is that politics has promoted the inability to have a government office. I think the responsibility for the results is heavy. "
Education policy expert “Remarks beyond the line”
Professor Tetsuhiko Nakajima, graduate school of Nagoya University, who is familiar with educational policies, said, “It is not allowed for politicians to communicate educational policies to the Ministry of Education, whether it is the ruling party or the opposition party. The Basic Law on Education has provisions prohibiting unjust domination, where government agencies and governments intervene in universities.This time, experienced ministers of MEXT who have strong influence at ruling party meetings are responsible for MEXT It is a statement that goes beyond the line that it can be regarded as a university intervention, and politicians are required to act with the awareness that they have a strong influence on government agencies. And the university must act as a leader in university autonomy for the people, especially the students who take the exam. "