The Mishima City (Shizuoka Prefecture) group of 20 people spent 10 days together. Most of the time was spent in education related activities. Formal meetings were held with the Mayor and city officials with gifts exchanged. A presentation was made the Mishima City PTSA followed by time to question and dialogue. Community members provided a walking tour that included a shrine, museum, and visit to the Mayor's house for a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Full day school visits were made at all levels of education: elementary (1-6), junior high (7-9), high school (10-12), and university. Additional visits were made to a Kindergarten and Special Education School. Teachers and students were receptive and welcomed us in special assemblies followed by classroom visits and teacher dialogue.

The curriculum was found to be similar in content for the core subjects. However, differences were noted in school structure, methodology, class size, teaching strategies, staff development, and the use of technology. Japan is in the midst of a huge education reform effort as they seek to adopt many of America's best practices related to the differences noted above. Officials for the Japanese Ministry of Education are striving to develop problem solving skills, creativity, and higher order thinking skills in their students. They want their students to demonstrate spontaneity and a "zest for living."

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