With the new school ratings announced by KHDA, parents can review the facilities at different schools and make an ‘informed decision’ to safeguard the future of their children.

by

Muaz Shabandri

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Published: Tue 22 Feb 2011, 10:23 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 5:38 AM

Dr. Samia Al Farra, Chief Education Officer (CEdO) at Taaleem outlines some of the key features of good schools and how to select one for your child. Here is what she has to say.

Parents are usually their child’s best teachers. As per research, children get almost 75 per cent of their language structure acquisition before the age of five – clear proof that the role parents play in educating their children is vital. Parents should thus make a habit of reading to their children and speaking with them until the age of four, when they may enter kindergarten, and beyond.

Regarding school selection, people usually have their preferences as to the educational track they believe best suits their children, and their future aspirations for them. Some look for private bilingual schools, others look for private international schools while some look for local public schools. Some seek the American curriculum; others look for a British, Australian, Arabic or an International system.... Whatever the system is, the core features that characterise good schools always remain.

The child’s safety and security, the management’s leadership qualities, relationships among students and among teachers, the school’s mission, vision, its DSIB report results, accreditation reports, attendance rate, quality of extra-curricular activities, availability of programmes for Special Needs, gifted and talented students, the school’s facilities such as the library, playgrounds and theatre play important roles, says Al Farra.

Parents should visit schools during the open days and spend three to four hours observing the following different relationships: students with their peers; students with teachers, guards and bus drivers and review the school inspection reports by Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) and accreditation reports (if any).

Parents should meet with the leaders of these schools and listen to the students. They should also conduct a tour of the premises and evaluate the school’s library and its resources. They need to identify which schools have the best maintained premises.

Parents should make clear comparison lists with the strengths and weaknesses of each school they visit. Moreover, they should talk to at least five different parents of students who attend their school of choice. After the choice has been made, the child also should be consulted.

Indicators of a good school

• Student attendance rate is over 90 per cent. This is considered a clear indicator that its students look forward to attending every day.
• The school takes great pride in showcasing its students’ work almost everywhere.
• It enjoys a pleasant, caring and nurturing teaching staff.
• The school adopts differentiated instruction to suit its students’ abilities, interests and learning styles.
• It enjoys a firm but caring leadership.
• It has a safe campus.
• It enjoys financial stability.
• It follows a relevant and meaningful curriculum.
• The school adopts various assessment techniques.
• It enjoys a low degree of disciplinary problems.
• It enjoys a rich and vibrant student life
• It enjoys good libraries

muaz@khaleejtimes.com

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