Precedent-setting decision from ÖSYM regarding YKS disruption

A major disruption occurred during the Basic Proficiency Test (TYT), the first session of the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) held by ÖSYM on June 8, when a student suffered an epileptic seizure. While it was expected that the remaining time for the exam would be extended according to ÖSYM regulations, the 15-second extension provided by the hall supervisor and invigilators was not accepted by the students. Following applications by parents to ÖSYM, the institution addressed the grievance by offering students the option of additional points or an equivalent exam retake.

‘‘THEY ADDED A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF TIME LIKE 15 SECONDS’’

Murat Akpınar, who sought justice and described the half-hour grievance his daughter experienced during the exam, stated, “My daughter took the Basic Proficiency Test of the Higher Education Institutions Examination on June 8. A problem occurred during the exam. A child in the exam hall of about 40 people fell ill. They had an epileptic seizure. They fell to the ground while vomiting blood and convulsing. The invigilators and hall supervisors could not get the child out of the classroom. For this reason, they asked for help from the male students. 112 was called immediately. Between the arrival of the ambulance, the intervention in the exam hall, the removal of the child, and the cleaning of the hall, there was a 30-minute loss. When we learned about this situation, we examined ÖSYM's regulations. The regulations clearly state what should happen when such a situation occurs. In such cases, the hall supervisor is supposed to add the amount of time lost to the end of the exam. However, the exam hall supervisor and invigilators added a ridiculous amount of time like 15 seconds to the end of the exam.”

‘‘A YEAR TO BE LOST IS NOT A SHORT TIME’’

Stating that it is the duty of every student and parent to seek their rights and pursue the matter if there is a grievance, Akpınar said, “As parents, we sought our rights as soon as we learned about it. We met with the provincial coordinator of ÖSYM, and they were very helpful. We wrote our general petition. Later, we also thought that this was a neglect of duty. For this reason, we filed a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office. From now on, no child should be victimized like our child. Because raising a child is not easy. A year to be lost is not a short time either. After we started this process, ÖSYM convened its board of directors on July 5. The board of directors evaluated our applications and found them justified. Because the regulation was very clear on this matter. For this reason, they offered two choices to the students in the hall. Additional points or an equivalent exam retake. Our child and a friend chose the equivalent exam retake. Seeking rights and pursuing the matter if there is a grievance is the duty of every student and parent. I would also like to thank ÖSYM regarding the reliability of institutions in our country. Because they delivered the rights of the children. When we started the process, we looked to see if there was a precedent, but we could not find anything similar. This situation we experienced became a precedent.”

News Source: İHA