Turkey enacts sweeping changes to school regulations, grants search authority

Turkey's Ministry of National Education has introduced sweeping amendments to its regulations for preschool and primary education institutions, detailed in a new directive published in the Official Gazette. These changes significantly alter rules concerning student admissions, transfers, elective courses, and disciplinary actions, with a notable emphasis on enhancing school security.

A key provision grants school administrations the authority to conduct searches within school grounds, including classrooms, dormitories, and personal student spaces like desks and lockers. This power is to be exercised by the school's student behavior evaluation board in response to credible threats or reports, or when deemed necessary to prevent negative student behaviors from escalating into criminal acts. Searches will be conducted by deputy principals, board members, and designated teachers, ensuring they do not compromise student dignity. A two-part report documenting the reasons for the search, the areas searched, and any items found will be created.

Parent-teacher interactions will now be managed through an appointment system accessible via the school's official website. The selection process for elective courses in middle schools and Imam Hatip middle schools is set for January-February, with students making choices under the guidance of parents, homeroom teachers, and guidance counselors. Students who do not select courses within the timeframe will have them assigned by school administration. New fifth-graders will have a week at the start of the academic year to choose and change elective courses.

Admission rules have also been revised, with new enrollments beginning in July and processed through the e-Okul system based on address information. Proof of address, such as utility bills, may be requested for verification. Transfers will commence after grade promotion processes are finalized and continue until 15 business days before the end of the term, though exceptions for natural disasters, health issues, or inter-provincial address changes apply. Special provisions ensure seamless transfers for children of martyrs and veterans, students with special educational needs, and those covered by specific child protection laws. New regulations also facilitate siblings attending the same school, transfers based on a working parent's address, and education near the treatment location of a severely disabled relative.