Education Ministry proposes restructuring educational curricula

Education Ministry proposes restructuring educational curricula
WAM Abu Dhabi, 24th Feb. 2010 (WAM) -- H.E. Hamid al-Qatami, Minister of Education, confirmed that all initiatives within the new education strategy 2010-2020 are student-focused. A large number of the initiatives included in the strategy focus on improving the educational attainments of students to match the highest global levels through curricula restructuring, and improving the competencies of teaching staff.

The strategy has identified a range of initiatives that address the process of restructuring the educational curricula. These include curriculum development using practical methods, allowing students to gain real life skills; achieving a balance between knowledge and educational material in subjects like science, mathematics and English; reducing the foundation year in universities and integrating it into the educational process; development of basic skills in the Arabic language; restructuring of kindergarten education, primary education and secondary education including elective courses and learning pathways for students; improving adult education programs by increasing schooling hours and dividing study materials; improving technical education and encouraging the use of modern technology in curricula development; and developing the Islamic education curriculum in order to promote multi-cultural tolerance amongst young Muslims.

In addition, the strategy also sets out initiatives directed at improving staff competencies. These include the development of a recruitment system for educational staff in public and private schools; development of performance evaluation tools for educational institutions linked to a training plan for each individual; preparing a technical and administrative hierarchy and introducing incentive systems linked to performance. Other initiatives include the development and implementation of training programs for teachers; the provision of manuals and the activation of educational research; increasing the proportion of male teachers in the field; development of legislation and regulations related to the education process with regards to registration, admissions, eligibility and so on; and developing and implementing a program to develop school leaders.

The Ministry of Education announced its new strategy for education in the UAE 2010-2020, which includes 50 initiatives to be implemented over the coming 10 years to coincide with a student's educational journey and to provide sufficient time to achieve the desired results. The strategy is student-focused and reflects international best practices with the aim of elevating performance levels to achieve the highest academic standards of excellence through quality education.

The ministry confirmed that the strategy is ready for implementation. Results will be measured through tracking improvements in educational attainment and the knowledge of students, creating an appropriate school environment with equal opportunities and developing a sense of citizenship amongst students. This strategy is distinct in its focus on quality in implementing initiatives and achieving goals, leading to the improvement in scientific output and the elevation of the UAE's global position in the educational sphere.

The strategy plans to set up a nurturing environment for students as they are the nation's real wealth - in the present and the future - and aims to raise a generation that is aware of national issues, confident and able to collectively achieve the nation's aspirations, and who stands by the country's leadership and contributes to building a strong and competitive national economy. The new strategy aims to utilize all available resources to meet the ambitions and aspirations of the UAE's wise leadership for the sustainable development of the country.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, believes that education is a collective concern and that everyone should be involved. His Highness has called upon all educational professionals, Ministry of Education officials, educational staff and the community at large to actualize this strategy with dedication and seriousness of purpose.

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