KHDA inspections to Focus on Maths, Science, SEN

The KHDA is to place a sharper focus on maths, science and the provision of SEN in its reports going forward, according to the education regulator's Inspection Handbook for 2014/15 released this week.

The move to place greater focus on maths and science is "in line with the UAE National Agenda and its targets for UAE students in international assessments by 2021".

UAE schools performed poorly against their international peers in the most recent tests - although IB and UK curriculum schools have been performing closer to the targets set by the UAE's governing bodies.

The KHDA also expect schools to use the analyses of international tests to guide their development plans.

In line with Dubai’s new law on people with disabilities, the guide details what schools should be providing for their students.

"Reports will feature a detailed section on the effectiveness of the provision on the outcomes for students, together with an overall judgement. Specific judgements on provision and outcomes will continue to feature in the handbook as part of DSIB’s inclusive approach."

Descriptions of what it means to be awarded an Outstanding, Good... rating are now littered with references to attainment, and progress of students with SEN needs.

WhichSchoolAdvisor.com would have liked to have seen more information on what will be evaluated in terms of entry into schools of children with SEN requirements, and how this would be judged. Another topic that is too infrequently discussed is cost of SEN provision - who pays, and what for.

Other changes include a refinement in the way in which inspectors will judge the outcomes for Early Years children, namely those in the Kindergarten or Foundation Stage.

"Inspectors will judge their academic and personal development using international criteria appropriate to their ages. There will be separate reporting on attainment and progress in Early Years, highlighting key strengths and weaknesses, as well as in other phases of the school."

The next KHDA report will also place more detailed analysis of the impact of school leaders, including governors and owners, on the overall performance of the school.

"It is reasonable to consider that the judgement for leadership should reflect that of the overall performance of the school.."

For more information, and to download the report - go here.