Minister of National Education Ziya Selçuk,
In a statement he made after the Coronavirus Science Board Meeting with Health Minister Fahrettin Koca, Selçuk said that they started a meeting under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan about an hour ago.
Stating that the issue was discussed in detail with the Scientific Committee at the meeting held at the Ministry of Health Bilkent Campus, Selçuk said, “As the Ministry of National Education, we had the opportunity to share how we look at the issue and what kind of expectations and needs we have.”
Pointing out that the current process is an issue and problem encountered for the first time in the history of the world, Selçuk emphasized that the Ministry looks at this issue from a pedagogical perspective and that the priority is the health of children.
Selçuk pointed out that they are trying to identify the educational needs of certain countries in the world through daily observations and reminded that they have started distance education through televisions.
“We are ready for any scenario regarding the compensation of educational needs and exams”
Minister Selçuk said, “This week was our test week, but starting next week, we will continue to educate our children with much higher quality and full programs. In addition to this distance education part, we are also working on making up for face-to-face education as soon as possible. When and how the compensation will take place is directly related to the recommendations of our Science Committee.”
Selçuk continued his speech as follows:
“When we look at all these studies, of course there will be losses and deficiencies in education. But I would like all our citizens and parents to be at peace. We are ready for all kinds of scenarios regarding the completion and compensation of all kinds of educational needs of your children and exams. This is a marathon run, we will run this journey, this run, without leaving any gaps in any way. No one should have any concerns that we will do what is necessary.
In this framework, with the recommendation of the Scientific Committee, the need to extend the home education process for a while more arose and the date of April 30 was set by a joint decision. Until April 30th, our schools will be on vacation and distance education will continue. Since we already have a preparation, we will enrich our work and meet all kinds of needs.”
Minister Selçuk stated that the Ministry of National Education will occasionally inform the public and share some issues regarding other legislation, needs and exams related to the Ministry of National Education:
“I am aware that our parents are careful about the health of our children. Not only physical health but also their mental health is very important. In this sense, we will gradually increase our efforts to take into account all these dimensions in the content we try to reach through television.”
“Postponement of exams depends on scientific decisions”
Selçuk said, “We have 3 scenarios regarding LGS. Postponing or not postponing the exams depends on scientific decisions. Our measures are ready.”
In response to a question about private school fees, Selçuk said, “It came up in our meeting with private school representatives, I don’t think there will be a problem because it will be compensated. We can compensate for education, but we cannot compensate for a disease. The important thing is the health of our children.”
Minister of National Education Ziya Selçuk also announced that private courses will be closed until April 30.
Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/egitim/milli-egitim-bakani-selcuk-uzaktan-egitim-30-nisana-kadar-devam-edecek/1779414
