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Dubai Asian Schools Make the Grade in Inspection

Of the 20 Indian schools, seven have been found ‘good’, 10 ‘acceptable’ and three ‘unsatisfactory’ in a survey conducted by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) between November 2009 and January this year.

Two of the three Pakistani schools surveyed were placed in the lowest grade by the inspection arm of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Forty-five per cent of the students are enrolled in ‘good’ Indian schools, four per cent in ‘unsatisfactory’ Indian schools, the survey reports.

“There are no surprises,” said Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA. A 20-page document detailing the strengths and weaknesses of individual schools will be made available to the public on the KHDA website on Thursday.

“The reports are being released in a timely fashion so that parents and schools can make good use of the information provided,” Dr Al Karam said.

The inspection process, conducted for the first time in 2008, ordered schools into four categories: Outstanding, Good, Acceptable and Unsatisfactory.

Due to the difference with international schools in the commencement of their academic year, Indian and Pakistani schools were excluded from the first cycle of inspections.

The Asian schools were inspected within the framework applied to international schools and most Indian schools were found to have done well.

“Our findings show that schools with strong leadership are successful,” DSIB Chief Jameela Al Muhairi said. “A majority of the Indian schools are well led.”

The inspection bureau chief added, “Attainment and progress in subjects like Islamic Education, Mathematics and English are ‘acceptable’ or better in almost all Indian schools.”

Despite operating on low fee structures, many Indian schools have received favourable feedback. “This shows that you can still achieve good quality education by charging low fees,” Dr Al Karam said.

A third of the Indian schools did not meet the student attainment and progress standards of KHDA in Arabic. Some schools did not have student progress records. Further, teaching at the primary level in unsatisfactory schools was found weak.

Pakistani schools were found faltering in key areas of quality. “The survey of parents shows that they are not happy with these schools,” Dr Al Karam said.

Seven of the 10 lessons observed at schools were unsatisfactory and health and safety arrangements were not being met. Corporal punishment was also a concern.

afshan@khaleejtimes.com

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