The Student Profile of Anatolian Teacher High Schools

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the student profile of Anatolian Teacher High Schools (ATHSs). A sample of 1026 students from 33 ATHSs were given the questionnaire and the attitude scale; and 877 parents were given another questionnaire. The results indicated that students in ATHSs are from upper-middle class families. Students come to ATHSs with positive attitudes toward the teaching profession and their attitudes develop more during the four years in ATHSs. Students and their parents prefer ATHSs for a number of reasons; 1) The high achievement rate of ATHS graduates in the University Entrance Examination (UEE), 2) The advantages allocated to the graduates who choose teacher-training programs or other programs in the UEE and in becoming teachers, 3) admission of selected students and teachers and 4) the quality education they provide. “Desire to become teacher” is the other reason for preferring ATHSs however the guarantee of a place on a university program for a career is a higher priority.