In April 2006, the National Institute for Educational Policy Research drew up mid-term goals.We have been working towards realizing those goals by clarifying the mission at hand, while taking into consideration the institute's position.
POSITION
NIER, as a national research body for comprehensive educational policy, is responsible for collecting and analyzing academic research data. The data is needed to plan and design educational policies. In addition, NIER represents Japan in international society, and provides necessary advice, support, and information for domestic institutes and bodies related to education.
MISSION
As mid-term goals, NIER is aiming to achieve the following
(1) To present findings obtained from scientific surveys, analysis, and predictions of worldwide situations surrounding education for Japan's future policies. The findings should be used to plan and design strategic educational policies in the mid and long term.
(2) To conduct scientific surveys of and analyze the current situation and social background for solutions to urgent political issues. The outcomes should be used to plan and design educational policies which flexibly address social needs.
(3) To give help, support and advice about social and school education activities where necessary.
(4) To gather, file and store educational information, data, and documents and make available to interested parties in Japan and abroad.
(5) To collect knowledge and promote information sharing for educational research with bodies in Japan and abroad. This can be done by implementing international education cooperation, holding conferences, and conducting joint research studies.
FEATURES
With regard to educational administrative policy issues, NIER actively conducts basic research to plan and design policies, as well as a variety of joint research and activities.
List of Basic Research To Plan and Design Educational Policies
(1) Basic collaborative research with researchers of all nationalities.
(2) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which we are taking part in as the Japanese representative, research conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
(3) Research requested by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology or Grants-in-aid for Scientific Research (for Specially Promoted Research).
(4) Competitive research based on free and creative ideas, using funds such as the Grants-in-aid for Scientific Research mainly driven by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
How The Various Activities and Joint Research Are Developing
(1) National Assessment of Academic Ability (jointly with MEXT) is being conducted to find out whether equal opportunities in compulsory education and a standard level of education are being ensured, and verifying the outcome of the assessment.
(2) National Information Center for Educational Resources (NICER)is making information on education and learning widely available.
(3) Joint projects are being carried out with MEXT to improve the quality of social education , which leads to better social education activities.
(4) Joint international projects, such as the Asian-Pacific Program of Educational Innovation for Development (APEID), which was requested by UNESCO.
(5) Joint research projects and symposiums with the National Federation of Educational Policy Research Institutes (NIER serves as the secretariat), made up of local and private education research institutes throughout Japan to discuss the issues currently facing schools.
