With the significant change made by the Ministry of National Education in the “Primary Education Institutions Weekly Course Schedule”, a new era is beginning in guidance services for middle school students. Previously implemented only for 8th graders under the name of “Guidance and Career Planning”, the course will now be implemented as one lesson hour per week in all grades of middle school, namely 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades, under the name of “Guidance and Orientation”. This decision aims to support students’ development processes with a more holistic approach and to prepare them for the future in a more conscious manner.
This change is a reflection of the vision of supporting students’ personal, social and emotional development simultaneously, instead of focusing solely on their academic success. The middle school period is a critical period when students begin to form their identities and discover their interests and talents. An effective guidance and direction service provided during this period will help students to know themselves better, realize their potential and make healthier decisions about the future.
The expansion of the “Guidance and Orientation” course to all secondary school levels will provide students with access to this important support mechanism at an earlier age. These courses, which will start in the 5th grade, will guide students on basic issues such as adapting to the school environment, developing peer relationships, and acquiring problem-solving skills, as well as allowing them to explore their areas of interest and begin to think about future educational and career goals.
This new regulation aims to help students move away from an education approach focused solely on exams and to chart a path in line with their own interests and talents. Various guidance activities to be offered to students will help them understand their strengths and weaknesses, learn about different professional areas and take conscious steps for their future career choices. At the same time, by supporting students' social and emotional development, it will contribute to their growth as healthier, happier and more harmonious individuals.
This decision of the Ministry of National Education is an indication of the emphasis on the importance of guidance services in education. This application, which aims to support the multifaceted development of students, will be implemented as of the 2025-2026 academic year. With this new regulation, secondary school students will have the opportunity to prepare for the future in a more equipped, conscious and self-confident way. The implementation of the “Guidance and Orientation” course at all levels of secondary school can be considered as an important step for the Turkish education system.
