Project Title: Measure to Control, Control to Increase Success  
Project Number: 2020-1-TR01-KA101-087026  
Organized by: ARDA Beratung & Bildung (Germany)  
Project Owner: Güler Şevki Özbek Anatolian High School, Bağlar Diyarbakır 
Number of Participants: 12

One of the fundamental objectives of education is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. Given the rapid advancements in knowledge and technology, educational institutions must be well-organized and equipped to meet these evolving needs. A robust system of measurement and evaluation is critical in enhancing the quality of education and increasing student success.

In line with the EU 2020 strategy of "Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth," three key goals were identified for education. However, Turkey has not yet achieved the desired success in the OECD's PISA and TIMSS exams, nor in the ABİDE exams conducted by the Ministry of National Education (MEB). To improve the quality and success of education, the MEB Vision 2023 program set four main targets specifically focused on assessment and evaluation. In response, Güler Şevki Özbek Anatolian High School aligned with this vision and established goals within its 2019-2023 strategic plan, focusing on the theme of "Increasing Quality and Success in Education."

Despite students achieving satisfactory results in internal exams, their performance in external standardized exams such as LGS, TYT, AYT, PISA, and TIMSS has been below expectations. This discrepancy highlighted the need for a more effective assessment and evaluation system that could bridge the gap between internal school assessments and these critical external benchmarks.

To address this need, a project was initiated to provide educators with modern techniques in assessment and evaluation. As part of the project, four teachers from Güler Şevki Özbek Anatolian High School participated in a specialized course in Berlin focused on "Smart Measurement and Evaluation." This course, held from May 2nd to May 8th, 2022, was designed to align with the needs of educational institutions seeking to improve their assessment systems. The course provided participants with practical tools and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of their teaching and assessment methods, ultimately contributing to increased student success.

A key aspect of the project was the emphasis on the practical application of modern evaluation techniques within an international context. The participants gained not only technical knowledge but also valuable insights into best practices and educational standards across Europe. This exposure to international methods and perspectives was crucial in helping educators develop more effective strategies to address the challenges they face in their schools.

The project successfully aimed to align the school’s evaluation methods more closely with these external benchmarks, ensuring that students are better prepared for these critical exams. By equipping educators with advanced skills in measurement and evaluation, the project contributed to reducing the disparity between school performance and external exam results, a common issue in the broader educational landscape.

The successful implementation of this project has significantly enhanced the capacity of educators to improve student outcomes. The project serves as a model for future efforts to elevate the quality of education and increase student success through innovative and internationally-informed practices.