School leaders across the UAE have welcomed the Dubai education authority’s decision to pause school inspections for the next academic year. They believe this move will enhance stability, reduce administrative burdens, and improve data quality for teaching and learning objectives.
For the 2024-25 academic year, private schools in Dubai will not undergo full inspections, with the exception of new schools in their third year. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) also released the final report of its recent inspection, providing schools ample time to address identified improvement areas.
Focus on Improvement and Innovation
“The school teams will get adequate time to implement areas identified ‘for improvement’ during the previous inspection and are better positioned to focus more intently on innovative teaching-learning, teachers’ professional development, and holistic student achievement. This move also highlights the KHDA’s trust in the schools’ ability to self-regulate and maintain high standards of education,” said Sangita Chima, Principal of Amity School Dubai.
While the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) will continue to conduct visits focusing on specific areas and ongoing monitoring activities, schools will be notified in advance about the priorities for the upcoming year. Additionally, schools are required to keep their self-evaluation forms and online profiles updated throughout the academic year.
“Director General Aisha Miran’s decision to halt school inspection this academic year is a visionary, strategic and a highly impactful decision. It is a game changer that will empower Dubai’s dynamic learning organizations with futuristic and progressive high-quality standards,” added Chima.
Opportunities for Innovation
Schools still have the option to request a full inspection from the DSIB, subject to review and approval by the KHDA. Requests must be submitted by July 5, 2024, with notifications for approved requests sent during Term 2 of the 2024-25 academic year.
Dr. Saima Rana, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, commented: “We have acknowledged the announcement from KHDA regarding school inspections in academic year 2024-25. We welcome this opportunity to continue to innovate our practices to enable our children to have the best possible educational experiences while supporting the regulator’s strategic plan.”
“Our total focus remains to provide the best possible education to our students in a safe, secure, and successful environment, as it has been for the past 65 years,” Dr. Rana added.
Support for Teaching and Learning
School officials clarified that DSIB inspections are not the only factor affecting school ratings and fee structures. “The DSIB is just one division within the KHDA. Alongside it, there are approximately 16 other departments dedicated to supporting schools, ensuring accountability remains intact,” said Zubair Ahmad, COO of Springdales School, Dubai.
Calling the announcement ‘developmental,’ Ahmad praised the need for change. “The rhythm, process, and zeal of teaching-learning targets are ongoing. This is a well-evaluated, analyzed, and well-informed decision where every stakeholder has been involved. This provides ‘breathing space’ to everyone and supports the teaching-learning process, aiming to make things more efficient, and productive and allowing schools to diversify,” he said.
“This move will help in skill development rather than just capacity development. So, it is a welcome move that I believe allows time for everybody to upgrade,” Ahmad added.
