Behind the Scenes: Is the Ministry of National Education abolishing the 4+4+4 system?

The Ministry of National Education (MEB) is preparing to make a radical change to the 4+4+4 education model. According to a report by the Türkiye newspaper, there is talk within Ministry circles that some high schools could be reduced back to 3 years.

With this new model, high school diplomas will be divided into two categories.

STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA TO BE GRANTED IN 3 YEARS

Within the scope of the new regulation, students who wish to receive a "Standard High School" diploma will be able to complete their high school education in 3 years. These students will be given a diploma grade based on their exam success averages and will be able to enter the workforce after graduation.

In this way, it is aimed for them to gain professional experience and be trained as qualified personnel. Furthermore, it was stated that this system aims to change the common perception in society that "everyone should go to university." 

ADVANCED HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA WILL OPEN THE PATH TO UNIVERSITY 

Students who wish to attend university will be able to obtain an "Advanced High School" diploma by receiving 4 years of high school education. In this model, it is also planned to provide extra training to students to better prepare them for university.

MEB: WE MUST RE-EVALUATE THE 4+4+4 SYSTEM

Deputy Minister of National Education Ömer Faruk Yelkenci had signaled new regulations at the International Symposium on Measurement, Selection, and Placement held recently.

Yelkenci said, "It is evident that we need to re-evaluate the last four years of the 4+4+4 system. We must contribute to our education system by conducting studies on this matter."

TED HAD PROPOSED IT

The Turkish Education Association (TED) had prepared a report on high school education last year. The report emphasized that high school education needs to be restructured and proposed that students who do not wish to attend university be granted a diploma at the end of the 11th grade.

TED had recommended that these students enroll in vocational colleges or open education programs without taking an exam. It was stated that students who wish to attend university should be provided with university preparatory training in the 12th grade.