Minister of National Education Ziya Selçuk made a press statement concerning the "I am in the remedial training, too" program.

 

Selçuk pointed out that all primary school students began face to face education on June 1 and all secondary and high schools students started face to face education on June 7 for 2 days a week in line with the decisions taken during the Presidential cabinet meeting.

 

Preschool education institutions will continue full time face to face education and village school students will get face to face education for five days a week said Selçuk adding that attendance to face to face education will be optional.

 

Noting that the Ministry reached students through TRT EBA channels, EBA platform and various different support mechanisms during the Covid-19 pandemic, Selçuk said distance education had certain limitations for students, teachers and parents.

 

Selçuk stated that surveys conducted in order to find out academic and social needs of students due to these limitations reveal that various different student groups require remedial training in various different levels adding that academic, social, emotional and physical support programs will be designed for students in an effort to eliminate the negative impact of the pandemic in line with equal opportunity right in education.

 

Noting that the National Support Program (UDEP) is designed within this framework, Selçuk went on to say, "You know that the 2020-2021 school year will end on July 2. But we will keep our schools open for children. Meanwhile, students will have the opportunity to get their report cards on June 18 in an effort to prevent rush in the system before the beginning of social, emotional, cultural and physical activities for students set for June 21."

 

Selçuk stressed that there is a beautiful summer ahead for students after June 2 and said, "With the beginning of summer, our Ministry will enter the UDEP process which is scheduled to last for one and a half years. As a part of this process, every school will define the needs of their own students by considering prior and critical knowledge set out by the Board of Education. Schools will design their own remedial training plan according to this study."

 

Remedial training programs will be organized between June 18 and July 2 according to these plans and schools will be open between July 2 and the beginning of the new school year for students who want to benefit from physical opportunities at school. "We will host children throughout the summer and we will offer physical activities and academic programs for students who want to be part of this remedial training program," stated Minister Selçuk.

 

After the end of the busy summer, remedial and support programs for students will continue throughout the upcoming school year. Selçuk stated, "We will carry out literacy screening among second grade students. We will organize extra classes and additional education materials according to the results of the screening. We will support 3rd and 4rd grade students with the "Training Program for Primary School Students (İYEP)" application. Competence level of secondary school students will be assessed according to the international criteria and we will provide a suitable study plan according to their education level. 

 

"We have prepared critical knowledge screening for high school students. We are aiming at applying special programs in an effort to support their education and prepare them for higher education institutions. Of course, these will be planned according to differing needs of each school. Schools know their own needs best." 

 

Selçuk mentioned that the ministry, municipalities and nongovernmental organizations will give support to remedial training programs as a part of UDEP and said that the Ministry has prepared a special page entitled, ""telafidebendevarim.meb.gov.tr" for the program.

 

Selçuk noted that there will be separate pages for children, teachers and parents in the web-site adding that, "We will meet with secondary and high school students next week. Students who will graduate this year will enjoy their last days at their school. I wish them success."