The school holiday puzzle: Claims that the semester break will be extended to 1 month

The second mid-term break has ended and millions of students have returned to their schools. However, discussions regarding the education system are still ongoing.

On September 9, 2019, the Ministry of National Education implemented the decision for two mid-term breaks. With this regulation, 1-week breaks were added to the academic year.

The Minister of National Education at the time, Ziya Selçuk, responded to criticisms by saying, "Scientific research shows that students taking breaks from educational activities at certain intervals makes learning more effective and easier. Furthermore, as the summer vacation gets longer, it is possible to reduce the situation known as 'summer learning loss'."

NEW CLAIM: MID-TERM BREAKS ARE BEING ABOLISHED

Recently, a new claim has emerged: mid-term breaks will be abolished and the semester break will be extended to 1 month. However, Ministry sources state that no preparations are being made regarding this matter and that no such change is under consideration.

These discussions also have an economic dimension. It is known that holiday periods, especially the summer vacation, are among the important factors that stimulate tourism.

Reducing the summer vacation from 2 and a half months to 1 month could affect the tourism sector. It is stated that the Ministry plans to take the opinions of tourism sector representatives on this matter.