The purpose of this study was to examine and evaluate the decisions taken with respect to lifelong learning, public education, adult education, and non-formal education in the National Education Councils. Case studies were employed in the study. As a method of data collection, written document analysis was preferred and the obtained data were analyzed by means of descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that adult education and non-formal education were first mentioned in the section, “Lahikalar-Halk Terbiyesi” in the 1st National Education Council, which was held in July 1939. Non-formal education has often been questioned in National Education Councils because it proposes a structural dimension to the Turkish national education system. Consequently, decisions were made about non-formal education in these councils. In the 17th National Education Council, lifelong learning was discussed in a broader framework and 26 direct decisions were made.