Dubai: A pilot school inspection programme will be launched today to measure the quality of Dubai's schools.
The Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB), a bureau of the Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA), will launch full inspections from September.
Ten inspectors will visit a total of six schools during the pilot period, both private and public, using feedback from principals, parents and the school community as criteria.
Jameela Al Muhairi, DSIB Chief, said: "School inspection alone does not lead to school improvement. A high quality inspection function highlights areas of strength and areas for improvement, and lets those responsible for improvement focus on actions that need to be taken.
"We have a desire to learn from the best performing countries in the world but we need to take their experience and make it work for us, for our own schools and for the future of our own children.
"By consulting with and listening to our own experts, principals and parents of our schools, we can ensure DSIB will contribute to creating a world class education system for Dubai," she said.
Inspection criteria include student progress, teaching quality and school management and leadership effectiveness.
Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Chairman, board of directors and director general, KHDA, said: "Transparency about the quality of schools allows families to make the choice that's right for them."
Evaluation: Answers wanted
Key questions to be asked by school inspectors:
- How good is the progress of students?
- How good is the personal and social development of students?
- How good are the teaching and learning?
- How well does the curriculum meet the educational needs of all students?
- How well does the school protect and support students?
How good are the leadership and management of the school?
By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter