The Ministry of National Education (MEB) has announced that in-person classes will be offered for optional remedial and support courses organized in public schools for 8th and 12th grade students and graduates, as well as for support courses held at private schools and private prep centers serving 12th graders. Starting January 22, 2021, students who choose to attend will be able to participate in these support courses.
The ministry issued two separate circulars to provinces outlining the basic provisions and procedures governing the remedial courses and the in-person support courses in public and private schools.
What Does the Circular Say?
The circular states that 8th and 12th grade students and graduates may voluntarily attend these courses. It specifies that the support courses for 8th and 12th graders in both public and private schools will begin on January 22, and that classroom seating plans will be arranged to preserve physical distancing.
The circular also notes that the number of students in each classroom will be adjusted to comply with physical distancing rules. Students who wish to attend courses in public schools and require accommodation will be able to stay in school dormitories designated and guided by authorities, provided those facilities comply with pandemic measures. Students attending private school courses who need accommodation may stay in private dormitories or boarding houses that offer lodging services.
Public Reaction
Some observers think it may be too soon to resume in-person courses beginning January 22. There is debate over whether reopening will lead to an increase in infections among young people. Many students say they feel academically behind while preparing for university entrance exams and argue that online lessons cannot fully reproduce the experience of face-to-face instruction. Parents and students have mixed reactions, but the ministry emphasizes that the support courses will operate under strict pandemic precautions.
The MEB asks students who will attend these courses to pay particular attention to physical distancing. The ministry stated its confidence that students will follow the rules and reiterated that COVID-19 precautions will be strictly applied in the courses. Measures will include mask use, physical distancing, hygiene protocols and other relevant rules enforced carefully.
Course Subjects
From January 22, the courses for 8th grade students will cover Turkish, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History of the Turkish Revolution, Religious Culture, and English. For 12th grade students, instruction will be offered in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Mathematics, Turkish Language and Literature, Logic, and English according to their needs.
In addition, a decision was made to allow private education centers to continue in-person instruction. Private training centers that implement pandemic measures, physical distancing and hygiene requirements properly will continue to receive students. Under the same conditions, private transportation services, vocational training courses, motor vehicle driver courses, construction equipment operator training, service training centers, and private special education and rehabilitation centers will also resume face-to-face training.
When Will Exams Be Held?
No definitive information was provided about the dates of exams for certificate issuance following course completion. The circular did not specify whether final exams will be held online or in person. It said exam dates will be determined based on developments during the course period. Likewise, there is no final announcement yet regarding exam dates for students who wish to benefit from scholarships. The notice indicated that any early exams being planned could be extended through the end of May, and that exact dates may be announced during February.