Private schools will soon experience changes in the way they are inspected, following new measures announced by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which will take effect during the current academic year.
Schools that were previously rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Good’ will now receive review-visits aimed at ensuring they continue to provide high-quality education. Schools inspectors will also assess plans put in place by schools to ensure that Emirati students are making progress towards reaching their potential. In addition to evaluating student attainment and progress, they will focus on the extent to which schools are fostering and cultivating Emirati students’ talents and skills.
Following extensive feedback from the community, the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) will shorten the notice period given to schools before inspections begin, from three weeks to five working days. Inspections will continue to focus on priority areas, which include the National Agenda, moral education, UAE social studies, innovation, inclusion, and reading.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director-General of the KHDA said, “Private school inspections began in Dubai 11 years ago and this year is very special to us because the graduating class represents a full cohort that has benefited from our policies with substantial improvements in our schools. Our reports have given parents clear and helpful information that reassures them of the quality of education, as well as informs them of their children’s future education choices.”
Explaining the changes, Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) said, “We have listened to useful feedback from parents, students, teachers, principals, and school operators about our school inspections and made some changes to the way we inspect schools. Our inspectors will be spending more time in schools that need more development.”
Parents and students will still be able to read school inspection reports on the KHDA website (www.khda.gov.ae).
What to expect in academic year 2019-2020:
Ø 5-day inspection notice period
Ø Paperless inspections
Ø Greater focus on provisions for Emirati students
Ø UAE Social Studies will be considered a key focus
Inspections will prioritise:
Ø Inclusion
Ø Moral education
Ø Innovation
Ø Reading and literacy