TURKISH NATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM

GENERAL PRINCIPLES REGULATING THE TURKISH NATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM

1.1. GOALS OF NATIONAL EDUCATION

The general goals of National Education are:

1. To raise all individuals as citizens who are committed to the principles and reforms of Atatürk and to the nationalism of Atatürk as expressed in the Constitution, who adopt, protect and promote the national, moral, human, spiritual and cultural values of the Turkish Nation, who love and always seek to exalt their family, country and nation, who know their duties and responsibilities towards the Republic of Turkey which is a democratic, secular and social state governed by the rule of law, founded on human rights and on the tenets laid down in the preamble to the Constitution, and who have internalized these in their behavior;
2. To raise them as constructive, creative and productive persons who are physically, mentally, morally, spiritually and emotionally balanced, have a sound personality and character, with the ability to think freely and scientifically and have a broad worldview, that are respectful for human rights, value personality and enterprise, and feel responsibility towards society;
3. To prepare them for life by developing their interests, talents and capabilities and providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes and the habit of working with others and to ensure that they acquire a profession which shall make them happy and contribute to the happiness of society;

In this way, to increase the welfare and happiness of Turkish citizens and Turkish society, on the one hand, and to support and accelerate economic, social and cultural development within national unity and cohesion, on the other hand, and finally to make the Turkish Nation a constructive, creative and distinguished partner of contemporary civilization.

1.2. SPECIFIC PURPOSES OF NATIONAL EDUCATION

The Turkish national education and training system shall be organized so as to realize general goals and the specific goals of various types and levels of education institutions shall be determined so as to fit into the general goals and basic principles.

1.3. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NATIONAL EDUCATION

1. Generality and Equality
2. Needs of the Individual and Society
3. Orientation
4. Right to Education
5. Equal Opportunities
6. Continuity
7. The Reforms and Principles of Atatürk and the Nationalism of Atatürk
8. Democracy Education
9. Secularism
10. Scientific Approach to Education
11. Planning
12. Co-education
13. School-Family Cooperation
14. Education Everywhere

1.3.1. Generality and Equality

Education institutions are open to all citizens individuals of their sex, religion, language and race. No concessions shall be provided to any individual, family, group or class in education.

1.3.2. Necessities of Individual and Society

National education service shall be arranged in accordance with the desires and abilities of Turkish citizens and necessities of Turkish society

1.3.3. Orientation

The individuals shall be oriented to various schools and programs in accordance with their desires and abilities. The national education system shall be arranged to realize this orientation in every way. With this purpose, preparatory classes may be opened at secondary education institutions suitable with the targets of the national education programs. In management and evaluation of success guiding services and objective assessment and evaluation methods shall be used.

1.3.4. Right to Education

Every Turkish individual is entitled to basic education. The citizens shall benefit from the education institutions following the primary education according to their abilities, talents and interests.

1.3.5. Equal Opportunities

Equal opportunities shall be provided to every woman and man in education. Necessary assistance shall be provided through grants, scholarships, credits and other ways to successful students with weak economic conditions so that they can have higher education. Special measures shall be taken in order to raise children in need of protection and special education.

1.3.6. Continuity

It is principal that the general and vocational education of individuals should continue for a lifetime. In addition to education of the youngsters, in order to help them in adapting to life and business areas positively, it is an educational duty to take necessary precautions to provide lifelong education of adults.

1.3.7. The Reforms and Principles of Atatürk and the Nationalism of Atatürk

In preparation and implementation of textbooks in our education system of all grades and types and in all educational activities, Atatürk’s Reforms and Principles and Atatürk Nationalism as expressed in the Constitution shall be taken as basis. Importance is attributed to protect, develop and teach the authentic national morality and culture without corruption within the universal culture.

Importance is attributed to teaching of Turkish language, which is one of the basic elements of national unity and integrity, without extremism and abuse. The language is tried to be enriched as an educational and scientific one and for this purpose, necessary measures shall be taken by the Ministry of National Education in cooperation with Atatürk Higher Board of Culture, Language and History.

1.3.8. Democracy Education

The democratic consciousness, knowledge, understanding and behaviors about the country’s governance, feeling of responsibility and respect to moral values that the citizens should have in order to attain and maintain strong and stable order of society shall be tried to be developed in the students. However, political and ideological provocations against Atatürk nationalism as expressed in the Constitution and participation to daily political affairs and such discussions shall never be allowed.

1.3.9. Secularism

Secularism is principal in Turkish national education. Religious culture and moral teachings are among the compulsory lessons in primary, secondary schools and schools of same level.

1.3.10. Scientific Approach to Education

Course programs of all levels and types, education methods and education materials and equipment shall be developed in accordance with scientific and technological principles and innovations, needs of the country and environment. Increasing efficiency in education and provision of continuous development and innovation shall be attained on the basis of scientific research and evaluations.

Education institutions responsible to produce technology and science and to develop our culture shall be sufficiently equipped and strengthened. Such works shall be financially and – supported.

1.3.11. Planning

Development of national education shall be planned and realized in accordance with economic, social and cultural development targets by taking into account human force and employment relations and by giving emphasis on vocational and technical education that shall provide necessary technological developments in agriculture and modernization.

The ranks of professions and titles, authorities and responsibilities of each rank shall be determined by law and the organization and program of all types and grades of formal and non-formal vocational education institutions shall be arranged in accordance with these ranks.

The standards on location, building, facilities, personnel, auxiliary units, tools, equipment and capacities of education institutions shall be pre-determined and optimal establishment and management of institutions according to these standards and their effective management shall be realized.

1.3.12. Co-education

It is obligatory to have girl and boy students at schools. However, due to type, obligations and possibilities, some schools may be reserved for only girls or boys.

1.3.13. School-Family Cooperation

In order to contribute to operation of education institutions, cooperation shall be established between the school and family.

With this purpose, school – family unions are established at schools. The establishment and operation of these unions shall be arranged by a regulation to be issued by the Ministry of National Education.

1.3.14. Education Everywhere

The aims of national education are tried to be realized not only in public and private education institutions but also at home, offices, everywhere and under every circumstance. Educational activities of public, private and voluntary organizations are subject to the control of the Ministry of National Education with regard to their suitability to the aims of national education.

  Chart 1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES REGULATING THE TURKISH
                  NATIONAL EDUCATIONS SYSTEM

©2002 Republic Of Turkey
Ministry Of National Education
All Rights Reserved.