Additional Information About Modifications

The following is more detailed information about why we made decisions for modifying the calendar and program during and following the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.

Number of days overall:
By board policy CAJ is expected to schedule no less than 175 days of school. At times in our school’s history 175 was our target as we set our calendar. Our current policy is to try to add days beyond the minimum when the situation allows. This year we have 178 student days; on next year’s calendar we have 180. In some years, 3 of the days we missed would not even have been scheduled. In Western education it is widely accepted that the number of school days is far less important than the quality of the instruction as a predictor of everything from test scores to long-term academic success.

Virtual schooling:
In response to a series of potentially disruptive situations in recent years, including the possibility of natural disasters, terrorist attacks and pandemics, the board has approved virtual schooling as counting towards the minimum required days during emergencies. We know, however, that unless the situation dictates a long term response that would require switching to extended on-line/distance learning using a full on-line curriculum resource (a possibility for worst case scenarios and used by international schools elsewhere following political or natural crisis) that students will not learn at the same pace. Nor will students experience the same quality of interaction or benefit from our intentionally collaborative, activity and experience rich program. Because of that limitation, we are adding opportunities for all students and will be considering more after we carefully assess what progress students have made.

Extending the school year:
One question some may have is why we do not extend the school year beyond June 9. In a recent meeting with international school heads of schools, and after consulting information available through AISH (Academy of International School Heads), we have determined that it is not practical to extend the year beyond the scheduled staff end dates. Many CAJ families and staff have already made travel and moving arrangements, summer school activities would be disrupted (causing further travel complications later), and we would be disrupting many other organization’s plans that work with our students including HiBA’s Gospel Team, Joy Bible Camp, and programs throughout Japan and the world.

Beyond the core academics:
We do have the option of drastically cutting back on student and community activities as well as electives in order to focus on the core academics. However, we value these things as more than just extras – they are important in helping us develop well-rounded and balanced students who interact with God’s creation in diverse ways. They also help establish a more normal baseline for students, allowing them to focus better on their academic subjects. These activities allow students to develop their unique talents and gifts and for some provide opportunities for success that is not possible for them in the core subjects. Many students are already working as hard as they can and at their ability level academically. Adding more volume or intensity will not automatically result in more substantive learning for students. However, we will be carefully examining each activity following our assessment of student learning in the coming weeks.