Inclusive Education - Not a new Concept
Although the history of Inclusive Education is much older, the following are some of the international cornerstones during the last 30 years.
(And the Government of Japan has been involved in all of them.)
In 1994…
In 1994, inclusive education gained momentum at international level during the World Conference on Special Needs Education, resulting in The Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education.
The conference was attended by four delegates from Japan, two of them government representatives.
… the Conference was organized to address the shortfall in special educational provision globally and the ways in which improvements could be made. The debate was set within the framework of education for all, working towards inclusive schools.
In 2007…
In 2007 the Government of Japan signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities .
States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education.
With a view to realizing this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal
opportunity, States Parties shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels …
In 2014…
In 2014 the Government of Japan ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
In 2015…
In May 2015, the Education 2030: Incheon Declaration and Framework for Action for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4 was adopted.
Towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all
We commit with a sense of urgency to a single, renewed education agenda that is holistic, ambitious and aspirational, leaving no one behind. This new vision is fully captured by the proposed SDG 4 ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’ and its corresponding targets.
In September 2015 the Government of Japan adopted the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its Sustainable Development Goals.
Goal 4: Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Today…
- 17 years have passed since Japan signed the CRPD.
- 11 years have passed since Japan ratified the CRPD.
- 9 years have passed since Japan committed to the SDGs.
- Less than 6 years are left to implement the SDGs.
Yet…
- The Japanese education system remains mostly non-inclusive
- The Government of Japan seems to be unwilling to commit to their promises
- The majority of Boards of Education, school principals and teachers are clueless