Ankara – The "4+4+4" compulsory education system, in effect in Turkey since 2012, is facing a serious call for reform following a comprehensive field study conducted by the Educators' Union (Eğitim-Bir-Sen). The results of the "Field Research on the Compulsory Education System in Turkey," announced by Eğitim-Bir-Sen and Memur-Sen President Ali Yalçın, reflect the collective voice of over 36,000 participants, including teachers, parents, school administrators, and students, clearly indicating the need for a restructuring of high school education in particular.

Most Comprehensive Field Study with Over 36,000 Participants

This groundbreaking research by Eğitim-Bir-Sen, Turkey's largest civil society organization, was conducted across all 81 provinces, with the participation of over 17,000 teachers, more than 7,000 administrators, over 5,000 11th and 12th-grade high school students, and over 5,000 parents of high school-aged children. The study's significance is amplified by its distinction as one of the first works to comprehensively reflect real experiences and expectations regarding the compulsory education system. The geographical distribution and demographic profiles of the participants were balanced to reflect the country's population structure.

Overwhelming Demand for High School Education Reform

One of the most striking findings of the research was the overwhelming expectation that the "4+4+4" system, especially its last four years covering high school education, needs to be re-evaluated. More than 93% of the teachers and administrators who participated in the study emphasized that high school education should be changed. A similar expectation emerged among students, indicating a need for a new education systematic that aligns with societal expectations and the realities of working life.

12-Year Compulsory Education Deemed "Too Long"

The research provided strong evidence that the current 12-year compulsory education period is generally considered too long. A large majority of participants expressed that the duration should be shortened:

• 93.8% of teachers

• 97.1% of school administrators

• 78.5% of students

• 78.8% of parents

The proportion of those who believe the current duration is sufficient remained very low across all groups (below 20%). The rate of those advocating for an extension of compulsory education was also found to be less than 2%.

Business World and Dropout Risks Highlighted

The study revealed that the lengthy compulsory education period does not meet the expectations of the business world and hinders students' early entry into the workforce. 83.7% of teachers, 90.2% of administrators, and 68.9% of parents stated that the duration makes it difficult to enter working life earlier. Concurrently, the view that the long duration increases the risk of school dropout was supported by 70% of teachers, 78.9% of administrators, 67.2% of students, and 52.6% of parents.

High School Senior Year Function and Vocational Guidance Debated

The study also yielded striking findings regarding the function of the high school senior year. A large majority of participants (83.6% of teachers, 75.9% of students) expressed that the structure of the high school senior year should change and that attending school during the final year is unnecessary. Instead, the proportion of those advocating that the senior year should be a university preparation or career planning year approached 90% across all groups. Significant deficiencies in vocational guidance were also noted, with participants indicating that students are not adequately guided.

New High School Models: "2+2" and "3+1" Emerge as Favorites

The research indicated that two main models emerged as favorites for high school education:

• "2+2" Model (2 years compulsory + 2 years optional): Supported by high rates such as 34.5% among teachers and 38.9% among students.

• "3+1" Model (3 years compulsory + 1 year optional): Preferred by rates such as 31.4% among students and 20% among parents.

Participants also strongly supported an individualized, flexible, and modular secondary education structure.

Eğitim-Bir-Sen's Call for Common Sense to the Ministry and Council

Memur-Sen and Eğitim-Bir-Sen President Ali Yalçın stated that as an organization representing nearly 430,000 education employees, they have shared the results of their field study with the public. Yalçın noted that the Ministry of National Education has made similar statements on the matter, emphasizing the need for comprehensive groundwork. Yalçın stated that the research aims to ensure the inclusion of all education stakeholders in the process, adding that the Ministry of National Education's decision and the 21st National Education Council will be crucial in finalizing this process.

Eğitim-Bir-Sen stressed that the research revealed the existing system needs to be holistically re-evaluated, not just in terms of its duration, but also its content and structure. The union reiterated the necessity of aligning the compulsory education period with societal expectations and life realities, working on flexible and modular secondary education models, and making vocational guidance systematic from middle school onwards.