Top Dubai schools can opt out of inspections
New Knowledge and Human Development Authority option involves self-evaluation and partnerships between schoolsSchool principals at the launch of the abundance group.Image Credit: Supplied
Dr Abdulla Al Karam interacting with school principals during the announcement of differentiated inspection cyImage Credit: Supplied
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Published: 19:21 June 27, 2016 Gulf News
Faisal Masudi, Staff Reporter
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Dubai: ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Very Good’ Dubai schools will be allowed to opt out of the regular inspections if they choose a “differentiated inspection” based on self-evaluation and sharing excellence with other schools, it was announced on Monday.The option is part of a new initiative of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), whose Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) rates schools Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak and Very Weak, based on annual inspections.
The KHDA discussed the arrangement with school principals during a meeting on Sunday regarding the Abundance Group initiative.
For the first time since inspections began in 2008, Outstanding and Very Good schools who choose to participate in the initiative will be given the option of a differentiated inspection based on self-evaluation, “allowing them to focus their resources on giving back to other schools”, the KHDA said.
Out of the 149 schools inspected, there are currently 16 outstanding and 13 very good schools.
New Knowledge and Human Development Authority option involves self-evaluation and partnerships between schools
The Abundance Group project will see “mutually beneficial, long-term learning partnerships established between schools”.
It is understood that high-achieving schools will share their expertise in various areas, such as language skills or prudent management, with schools that stand to gain from such practices.
Sir Christopher Stone, Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education, said: “The KHDA’s Abundance Group initiative is an innovative programme that will help Dubai’s schools continue to improve through greater collaboration. We at GEMS will support any initiative that works to improve the education sector, in support of the UAE National Agenda, Dubai Future Agenda and the overarching Dubai Expo 2020 theme of ‘connecting minds, creating the future.”
More details are expected to be announced at a later stage. Schools wishing to participate in Abundance Group projects will be invited to attend a “design-thinking session” at the start of the next academic year in September.
Meanwhile, self-evaluation has been part of the inspection system since the beginning. All schools have been required to submit a Self-Evaluation Form and School Improvement Plan with supporting documents and evidence.
