In this paper, I examine supervisory functions and work of supervisors in boards of education through the analysis of some surveys. The survey is concerned with the work of supervisors in the three ...levels of boards of education in Kyoto and Osaka prefectures. I gained some findings from this survey as follows; 1 The work of supervisors depends on the characteristics of their organizations, the head office of the prefectural board of education, its branch offices and offices of the local boards of education. 2 The supervisory function of each office depends on the structure of supervisory administration, the size of offices of the local board of education, and the relations among each office. 3 Office work related to supervision occupies around 70 percent among all kinds of their work. On the contrary direct supervision on subject and teachers' activities occupies only a small part. 4 There are some differences of characteristics between office work related to supervision and ordinary office work. I submit two ideas on the reform of supervisory administration from the above findings; 1 It should be made clear what functions are done in each of the three levels of boards of education with respect to supervisory administration. 2 Though it was recognized that direct supervision would be most important for performing work as a supervisor, office work related to supervision should be paid much more attention. Therefore, it is necessary and important for supervisors to be certified and trained, focused on the expertise of office work related to supervision.
