Turkey Lise Biology Curriculum

The Turkish Lise biology curriculum has undergone significant changes, particularly in 2017. While specific details of the current curriculum are difficult to find in English, several sources highlight key aspects and controversies.

2017 Curriculum Changes and Criticisms:

In 2017, the Turkish Ministry of National Education implemented a significant overhaul of the curriculum, removing all direct references to the theory of evolution. This decision sparked widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.

• Removal of Evolution: The chapter "The Beginning of Life and Evolution" was removed from 12th-grade biology textbooks. Critics argued that this move would hinder students' understanding of fundamental biological principles and leave them unprepared for higher education in science. Some viewed the decision as an attempt to align the curriculum with a more conservative, religious worldview.
• Emphasis on National Values: The government defended the changes as a modernization of the curriculum and an emphasis on national values. However, critics argued that the changes were politically motivated and undermined scientific education.
• Concerns from Educators and Scientists: Turkish biology associations expressed disappointment with the removal of evolution and other aspects of the revised curriculum. International scientific organizations also raised concerns about the impact of these changes on science education in Turkey.

General Information about the Lise Biology Curriculum:

While the specific content of the current curriculum is not readily available in English, some general information can be gleaned from various sources:

• Compulsory Education: Biology is part of the compulsory curriculum in Turkish high schools (Lise).
• Curriculum Framework: The Ministry of National Education (MEB) sets the curriculum framework for all subjects, including biology.
• Topics Covered: While specific details are scarce, some sources mention topics such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution (prior to 2017), and biodiversity. A study also identified hormones, genes and chromosomes, mitosis and meiosis, the nervous system, and Mendelian genetics as potentially challenging concepts for Turkish high school students.

Recent Developments:

There have been reports of potential further changes to the curriculum, including a possible emphasis on creationism. However, confirming these changes requires more recent and verifiable sources.