A new era in education: Is 4+4+4 ending? 2+2 and 3+1 models are on the table

The Ministry of National Education (MEB) has brought the 2+2 or 3+1 models to the agenda to replace the 4+4+4 system in education. The Ministry of National Education has begun preparations to change the education system that has been in place since 2012.

While the possibility of high school education lasting less than 4 years is being discussed for the first time, the duration of compulsory education is also expected to be shortened.

Commenting on the issue, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin confirmed the intention to make changes to compulsory education, stating, "There are some segments, such as the business world, that express their discomfort regarding the 12-year compulsory education on the ground. They say they have difficulty in finding intermediate staff." This has sparked curiosity regarding the answers to questions such as, "How many years will high school and compulsory education be? Is the 4+4+4 system changing? What kind of education system will replace 4+4+4?"

3+1 AND 2+2 MODELS ON THE AGENDA IN EDUCATION

According to the report by Haber Global, alternative education models on the agenda include the "3+1 model," where the first 3 years of high school are compulsory and the final year is structured as a university preparation process, and the "2+2 model," which envisions awarding a diploma after the first 2 years and offering students 2 more years of academic or vocational training.

HOW WILL THE SYSTEM WORK?

Talat Yavuz, General Secretary of Eğitim-Bir-Sen, who made statements regarding the new education models, stated that compulsory education is one of the fundamental public services that ensures individuals' access to basic rights and supports social equality, but that education systems must be constantly reviewed in line with the needs of societies and changing conditions.

FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM MODEL

Drawing attention to the flexible curriculum model, Yavuz made the following statement:

"Our current agenda for model proposals includes establishing an individualized and modular secondary education structure where the final years of high school are made optional, making preschool education compulsory and free, developing flexible curriculum models based on areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and digital literacy, strengthening vocational guidance systems, and increasing digital learning skills through weekly online education days."

WARNING FOR THE 2+2 MODEL: CAUTION!

Education Expert İlhan Sevin also stated that improvements and changes can be made in education in accordance with the requirements of the time, adding, "However, it is also important not to harm the organism during this change process. The 2+2 system mentioned in the press caught my attention in particular. It is stated that in this system, students who complete 2 years of high school education can continue their education for another 2 years if they wish. However, concepts such as 'if they wish' and 'leaving it to preference' should not exist in the education system."

700 THOUSAND STUDENTS ARE NOT ATTENDING SCHOOL

Warning that "the system must be disciplined with integrity and consistency," Sevin said, "I foresee that when the transition to the 2+2 system is made, a large portion of students who complete the 2 years will not continue their education. Even though it is currently compulsory education, the number of students not attending school is approaching 700 thousand. If it is left to preference, this number will increase even further."

2 YEARS OF EDUCATION IS INSUFFICIENT

Sevin responded to the debates regarding the new education system as follows:

"Students with talents in vocational, artistic, or sports fields should be identified from an early age and given the opportunity to pursue careers in these areas. It should not be forgotten that school is not just a place where teaching takes place, but an environment where the individual's emotional, cognitive, and social aspects also develop. For this reason, I do not find it healthy to award a high school diploma at the end of two years. It is important to receive education in a school environment, to be guided, and to be disciplined up to a certain age to prepare for social life and living. Making vocational education attractive and directing successful and talented students to vocational education from an early age should also be thought about in detail and depth."