Abstract:

Abstract enThe main purpose of this study is to analyse the applications in Turkey and in European Union countries about compulsory education and the duration of compulsory education by comparing them. These topics have been argued densely in recent years by all parts of society, especially by politicians. This study includes historical developments of compulsory education, the duration of compulsory education, different phases of compulsory education and sample applications in various countries. European countries are making reforms in prolonging the duration of education to age 18 in order to provide their citizens the basic knowledge, skills and abilities, improve the quality of human resources and secure the national future. They are also encouraging the students about having a basic education certificate. 12 year full-time compulsory education applications are seen as an appropriate attempt for Turkey to participate in the race of improving the qualities of human capital in countries. As a result of the research about compulsory education, it is emphasized that 8-year compulsory education process in Turkey were less than the one in European countries and Turkey fell behind European countries in terms of compulsory education even in 2006. Extending the compulsory education process to 12 years will increase the quality of vocational and technical education. In order to provide more efficient and more qualified education, more material and human resources should be devoted and conditions should be improved qualitatively and quantitatively. It is also emphasized that necessary measures in 12-year compulsory education should be taken in advance in order not to encounter with the infrastructure problems which have been experienced in 12-year compulsory education. Thus, in order to provide Turkey's participation to the race of countries which aims to improve the quality of human capital, 12-year compulsory education applications are seen as appropriate and even belated attempts. In this context, Ministry of Education is holding some regulations, such as providing necessary infrastructure, physical place, educational material and equipment, training educational staff, adapting and improving educational programs. As long as these regulations, completions and restorations go on at the current speed, expected features in our children can increase

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