Turkish gov't to initiate removal of high school entrance exam: PM Yıldırım

Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said on Sept. 18 the government will undertake in the necessary process to remove the Turkish high school entrance exam and replace it. He stated the current system was very "stressful" for students, while the main opposition criticized the government for acting too hastily on the issue.

While the new semester began on Sept. 18, Turkey has been discussing the removal of the Transition from Primary to Secondary Education (TEOG) exam. 

The issue was initially brought to the country's agenda on Sept. 15, when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said "he hopes TEOG will be abolished immediately," while also stressing he found the practice wrong.

PM Yıldırım also commented on the issue on Sept. 18 in a rally addressing students at the opening of the school year in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa. "Our purpose is for our children to continue to a high school they wish, with their mind at peace—[a highschool] that is most appropriate for their abilities after middle school," he said.

"In time, TEOG turned into a competition. It increased your stress. You lost sleep over it. It is because of this we will undertake in the necessary process to rid you of your stress and make sure you can attend the school of your choice," Yıldırım said.

Education Ministry Undersecretary Assoc. Prof. Yusuf Tekin also commented on the issue on Sept. 18. "An [education] era that does not require a high school entrance exam will kick off. A working group has been established. In November, we will share with the public whether or not the TEOG exam will be held," said Tekin.

Tekin also said the new model that will replace TEOG exam will be presented to Erdoğan and the ministry would release a statement regarding...