Lessons, given via mobile devices, are tailored to students according to their English proficiency level, which is assessed through an exam. Schools can decide in which grade their students will take the program. Although the program was officially launched in the current academic year, some schools had already started such lessons in the 2016 academic year. English classes at public schools occasionally feature an assistant language teacher (ALT), typically from English-speaking countries. But the new initiative will offer a more intensive, personalized learning experience to students, the educational board said. The 1.3 billion yen ($9.03 million) project is a collaboration with the private education sector and students are charged no additional fees. However, the lessons are not regularly provided. Students at 50 designated schools with special English curriculums will be offered 10 to 20 sessions a year during class hours. The other students will have only five such occasions from their home or elsewhere.
