November 6, 2019
Office of Education

Entry into a basic agreement regarding an “English Speaking Test for Tokyo Junior High Schools Utilizing Private Qualifications and Certifying Exams” (provisional name)

Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education and Benesse Corporation executed the first basic agreement regarding an “English speaking test for Tokyo junior high schools utilizing private qualifications and certifying exams” (provisional name) on 20 June 2019. The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education appointed Benesse Corporation as the expected operator and discussed specifics such as the project plan.
We would now like to announce that the second basic agreement has now been executed, as detailed below.

1.The aims of the basic agreements

To confirm basic facts regarding the project, implementation management, other necessary procedures for smooth operation, etc. Furthermore, the confirmation of Benesse Corporation as operator of the project by means of the second basic agreement.

2.(Planned) project outline, etc.

(1) The effective period of the basic agreement:

From the date of execution of the basic agreement until the end of the 2023 academic year (31 March 2024).

(2) Overall test schedule

	2019 Academic Year	2020 Academic Year	2021 Academic Year onwards
Type	1st Pre-Test	2nd Pre-Test	Speaking Test
Test-Takers	3rd year students from selected Tokyo public junior high schools (approx. 8,000)	All 3rd year students at Tokyo public junior high schools (approx. 80,000)	All 3rd year students at Tokyo public junior high schools (approx. 80,000) and those expected to take the entrance exam for Tokyo metropolitan high schools *

*In principle, the 2022 entrance exam for Tokyo metropolitan high schools (implemented in 2021) will utilize the results of the test.

(3) Test schedules for each academic year (specific dates will be decided through discussions hereafter.)

• A) 2019: Between November and December
• B) 2020: Between September and November
• C) From 2021: On a non-school day or public holiday between the 4th Sunday of November and the 2nd Sunday of December.

(4) Locations

• A) 2019: Junior high schools where students are enrolled, or external facilities
• B) 2020: Junior high schools where students are enrolled, or external facilities
• C) From 2021: External facilities excluding Tokyo public junior high schools

(5) Question-setting policy and the method of operation

• A) The scope of the question setting will be content based on the Course of Study for Junior High Schools.
• B) The test will be conducted with candidates using specially provided tablets, earphones with microphones and hearing protection earmuffs.
• C) Each test-taker will take the test once.

(6) Public release of questions, etc.

The questions and sample answers, etc. used for each year’s test will be publicly released.

3.(Projected) schedule for the next stages

1. August 2019: Conclusion of the implementation agreement
2. November to December 2019: Implementation of the pre-test stage
3. During the 2019 academic year: Inspection of the pre-test’s results

Inquiries

Guidance and Planning Section, Curriculum and Guidance Division Office for Education Email: S9000020(at)section.metro.tokyo.jp * The above e-mail address has been arranged as an anti-spam measure. Please replace (at) with @.