Yusuf Tekin, the Minister of Education, has unveiled a set of new regulations during a press conference in Ankara on August 16th. These regulations encompass several key changes, notably the reinstatement of grade retention in high schools, stricter guidelines for transitioning to distance education, and measures pertaining to students' school attendance.
Tekin explained that these changes were the result of ongoing consultations with teachers, which began when he assumed his role in June. These discussions, particularly those involving high schools, prompted these significant adjustments in response to feedback from educators.
Tekin also addressed the increasing popularity of distance learning among senior high school students, driven by the pandemic and the February 6th earthquakes. He emphasized that the Ministry of Education would enhance the criteria for shifting from traditional to distance education, citing that recent studies indicated 9% of Turkish high school students were now choosing distance learning to better prepare for university entrance exams.
Regarding the temporary flexibility in the number of absences allowed during the pandemic, Tekin asserted, "This year, there will be no leniency." The reintroduction of grade retention, a practice that had been suspended for an extended period, would be implemented if a student failed to meet attendance requirements or failed to achieve the expected academic performance.
Tekin also highlighted the Ministry's efforts in the earthquake-affected region, announcing the successful resumption of education in all 11 provinces impacted by the earthquakes this year. He noted that approximately 45,000 classrooms had been repaired thus far. To address academic losses in the earthquake-hit region, optional makeup programs were organized during the summer months, which saw substantial participation. Tekin stated that these optional programs would conclude by September 1st, and from September 11th, a mandatory four-week compensatory education program would commence for students in all affected provinces of the region.
Tekin explained that these changes were the result of ongoing consultations with teachers, which began when he assumed his role in June. These discussions, particularly those involving high schools, prompted these significant adjustments in response to feedback from educators.
Tekin also addressed the increasing popularity of distance learning among senior high school students, driven by the pandemic and the February 6th earthquakes. He emphasized that the Ministry of Education would enhance the criteria for shifting from traditional to distance education, citing that recent studies indicated 9% of Turkish high school students were now choosing distance learning to better prepare for university entrance exams.
Regarding the temporary flexibility in the number of absences allowed during the pandemic, Tekin asserted, "This year, there will be no leniency." The reintroduction of grade retention, a practice that had been suspended for an extended period, would be implemented if a student failed to meet attendance requirements or failed to achieve the expected academic performance.
Tekin also highlighted the Ministry's efforts in the earthquake-affected region, announcing the successful resumption of education in all 11 provinces impacted by the earthquakes this year. He noted that approximately 45,000 classrooms had been repaired thus far. To address academic losses in the earthquake-hit region, optional makeup programs were organized during the summer months, which saw substantial participation. Tekin stated that these optional programs would conclude by September 1st, and from September 11th, a mandatory four-week compensatory education program would commence for students in all affected provinces of the region.