INONU UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION August 2010/ Volume. 11, Issue. 2, pp. 207-228 ISSN: 1300–2899 © 2010 İnönü Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi The Level of Perception and Adoption of New Primary Education Program (1 st –5 th Classes) Hüseyin ŞİMŞEK Abdullah ADIGÜZEL Harran University, Faculty of Education Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the level of perception and adoption of the new curriculum by the primary school principals and class teachers. The data gathered using a questionnaire conducted on 58 primary school principals and 395 class teachers in the city centre of Şanlıurfa, was analyzed and interpreted. Findings of this study showed that school principals and class teachers have adopted this curriculum at satisfying level. The highest dimensions adopted by the participants was the “gains” and “teaching and learning process” of the new program. The lowest dimension perceived and adopted by school directors and class teachers was “evaluation”. Principals have shown more positive agreement with all four dimensions of curriculum than class teachers. Briefed of class teachers about the new curriculum has promoted their level of perception and adoption. According to opinions of participants, the school principals are the first who perceived and adopted the curriculum. Key Words. Primary education program, school principal, class teacher SUMMARY In order to train the qualified members which the current societies requires, the educational programs are developed and renovated in Turkey. To this affect, the Ministry of National Education of Turkey has intended renovating the primary educational program, adopting the constructivist approach, since 2004–2005 academic years. PURPOSE This study has been carried out in order to determine the level of perception and adoption of the new curriculum primary school principles and class teachers based on the constructivist theory.