Examination of Factors Affecting Success of Singapore Education System

Singapore is a country which attracts attention with the success it gains at the international student assessment tests like PISA, TIMSS and PIRLS in recent years. Success of Singapore education system at the international student assessment tests which give information about the results of educational policy and implementation, has aroused curiosity all over the world. The success factors of Singapore education system are important for many countries like Turkey which implements reform initiatives to improve the education system but can not achive the desired success at international assessment studies. The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying success factors of Singapore education system. The substantive findings from the literature review are evaluated and emerging factors are described into six categories. These six key factors are as follows: (1) stable and consistent educational policies, (2) competent teachers, (3) high-quality principals, (4) efficient usage of information and communications technology, (5) stability in equality of opportunity in education, (6) a strong focus on mathematics, science education and technical skills. Mentioned factors are expected to contribute to achieve significant inferences to develop and implement necessary policies in Turkey.