Yusuf Tekin addresses Turkish education reforms and PISA rankings

Turkish National Education Minister Yusuf Tekin has addressed several key developments regarding the country’s education system. During visits to Hakkari and a pilot school for the ‘Haberimiz Olsun’ digital content project, Tekin highlighted significant improvements in educational infrastructure and international standing.

In Hakkari, Tekin noted that since 2002, the number of teachers has increased nearly threefold, from 1,527 to 4,176, while classroom numbers have risen significantly. He emphasized that these investments aim to reduce student-to-teacher ratios and improve physical facilities, including laboratories and libraries.

Regarding international assessments, Tekin stated that Turkey has made substantial progress in PISA rankings. He claimed that Turkey is now among the top 15 out of 91 participating countries, noting that the nation has seen improvements in mathematics, science, and reading skills.

Addressing student concerns about the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS), Tekin clarified that there will be no changes to the exam system or procedures for current 12th-grade students. However, he noted that the curriculum for future exams will reflect the ‘Türkiye Yüzyılı Maarif Modeli’, a new educational model designed to shift from rote memorization to analytical thinking and practical application of knowledge.