One thousand and four hundred and fifty, 4th and 8th grade students from 56 elementary and middle schools in 24 provinces accross Türkiye will be competing with students from 70 countries in the ‘’5th Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)’’, April 1 to April 30, 2011.The PISA is organized by the IAE every 4 years, whi,ch was started in 1999.
This year the theme will be ‘’Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)’’.
During the 2007 competition with emphasis on ‘’Reading Skills’’, Turkish students ranked 39th among the 65 countries represented and 31th among the
33 OECD Countries. This is avery poor and sad showing. One reason for this low performance is probably the lack of sufficient libraries in Turkey and low interest in reading… During a recent TV program, Moscow was mentioned as being home to over 2,500 libraries, much more than libraries in all of Turkey. One of the aims of establishing ‘’Turkish Library and Museum in New York City – (TLM)’’ is to stimulate the reading habits of Turkish-American students growing up in America.. The first report on the ‘’Working Group fo the TLM’’ is given below.
United States Turkish Library and Museum, New York, NY, Feb 1, 2011
Studies have been initiated for the establishment of a Turkish Library and Museum in New York City by 2015 with the support of Turks everywhere and their friends from around the world. The purpose is to provide an instution for Turkish-Americans, Americans and the world travelers who come to the Capital Culture of the World to learn about the true face and the contributions of Turks to world peace through the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and the first President of the Republic of Turkey.
Museums are known as the most trusted and credible institutions for public information and enjoyment. Libraries provide information and disseminate knowledge through the accumulated wisdom of all nations throughout centuries.It is also known that the first library in the world was established in the Middle East. Both libraries and museums inspire interest, confidence and respect and influence attitutes of people, motivate support and encourage involvement.
It is a well known fact that there is a growing anti-Turkish propaganda in many countries through publications, movies, theaters, symposiums and talks at universities. This was mentioned during a Semposium held at Cukurova University in Adana on January 28, 2011 where the establishment of a Library and Museum in New York was first proposed.
The purpose of this note is to appeal to all universities, civic organisations and individuals, both in Turkey, the United States and in other countries to support this initiative and forward comments, suggestions to the writer prior to meetings on this sheduled for:
April 2011 at Kadir Has University, Istanbul
May 19, 2011 at: Hunterdon Public Library, Clinton, NJ.
Yüksel Oktay, PE
0 532 723 4204